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UNIVERSITY  OF 
ILLINOIS  LIBRARY 
AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
BOOKSTACKS 


library 

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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/michiganagricultOOmich 


OF 


UBRARY 

UWVEASff Y^OF  lamOA 


“IF  THOU  SEEKKST  A BEAUTIFUL  PENLNSULA  LOOK  AROUND” 

(Motto  on  Great  Seal  of  State) 


State  Capitol,  Lansing. 


LIBRARY 
OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  Of  ILLINOIS 


S'l'A'I'IC  ( )!•'  MK'IIK'.AN 


Public'  Domain  Ciommission  and 
Immigration  Commission 

Augustus  C.  Carton,  Commissioner  of  Immigration. 

Cilon  R.  Mnnshaw,  l')ei)nty  Commissioner  of  Immigration. 

M 1 C H 1 C;  A N 


Agricultural,  Horticultural  and  Industrial  Advantages. 


IMAIIGRATION  PUBLICATION. 
June,  19 14, 


MEMBERS  OF  COMMISSION 


Hon.  Junius  E.  Beal  ------  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan 

Member  Board  of  Regents  of  the  University. 

Hon.  Alfred  J.  Doherty  - . - . - Clare,  Michigan 

Member  of  State  Board  of  Agriculture 


Hon.  Oramel  B.  Fuller 


Auditor  General. 


y: 


Hon.  Frederick  C.  Martindale 


Secretarv  of  State. 


Ford  River,  jMichigan 
- Detroit,  Michigan 


Hon.  William  Kelly  -------  Vulcan,  Michigan 

Member  of  Board  of  Control,  College  of  Alines. 

Hon.  Al’gustus  C.  Carton  -----  East  Tawas,  Michigan 

Commissioner  of  State  Land  Office. 


CO 


i-fBRARy 


1 


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r lyl. 


P'OKICVVORI). 


'I'liis  hook  is  puhlislu'd  inidcr  authority  of  Act  ddd  of  the  Public  Acts  of  1913, 
which  act  i>rovidcs  that  the  Public  Domain  Commission  shall  also  be  constituted  an 
Immij^nition  C'ommission  and  ])rovides  further  that  such  Commission  shall  appoint 
a (Commissioner  of  Immigration  and  a Deputy  Commissioner  of  Immigration, 

It  is  the  duty  of  these  oOicials  to  collect  and  compile  information  relative  to  the 
advantages  and  opportunities  afforded  by  this  state  to  the  farmer;  the  merchant; 
the  manufacturer;  the  home  and  pleasure  seeker;  and  to  distribute  the  information 
so  gathered  and  compiled  in  such  manner  as  the  Commission  shall  deem  advisable. 

In  carrying  out  this  function  it  is  the  chief  object  of  the  Commission  to  encourage 
and  direct  the  settlement  upon  and  the  development  of  Michigan’s  good  agricultural 
lands,  which  in  turn  makes  this  publication  of  a two-fold  purpose: 

First,  to  stimulate  Michigan’s  own  people  to  a deeper  appreciation  of  the  state 
in  which  they  live  and  to  encourage  a greater  degree  of  agricultural  development  by 
calling  their  attention  to  the  opportunities  and  possibilities  afforded  by  their  home 
state,  and 

Second,  to  encourage  the  settlement  upon  Michigan’s  agricultural  lands  by  people 
from  the  neighboring  states  and  Canada,  and  by  intelligent  rural  immigrants  from 
Central  and  Northern  Europe. 

This  work,  being  the  first  of  its  kind  compiled  to  meet  a pressing  demand,  is, 
in  fact,  but  a synopsis  of  the  vast  subject  under  consideration.  Within  its  covers, 
however,  will  be  found  many  facts  which  will  prove  of  interest  to  the  citizens  of 
Michigan  as  well  as  to  non-residents.  They  indicate  the  greatness  of  the  state  in 
area;  in  achievement;  and  in  the  splendid  opportunities  and  future  possibilities. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  book  will  provide  information  not  heretofore  obtainable, 
to  those  interested  in  Michigan,  and  will  be  the  cause  of  inducing  many  who  read 
it  to  visit  the  state  and  EXAMINE  FOR  THEMSELVES  the  advantages  and 
opportunities  offered. 

IMichigan  invites  inspection  and  need  make  no  extravagant  claims  to  establish 
the  fact  that  it  offers  to  the  farmer,  the  homeseeker  and  maniifacturer  opportunities 
unsurpassed  by  any  other  state  in  the  Union. 

Augustus  C.  Carton, 

Commissioner  of  Immigration. 

Glen  R.  Munshaw, 

Deputy  Commissioner  of  Immigration. 


6 


M I C II  I C,  A N 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


7 


nRii<:F  iiis'roRV  oi-' 


S'l'A'I'lC’S  ICARLV 


|)Rvi-:l()I>mi-:nt. 


Limj;  Ivl'oro  any  wliiti'  man  had  tonnhrd  thn  noasl  of  whaL  is  now  the  Stale  of  Michigan,  or  had 
gazed  with  eovctons  eyes  on  its  magnilieent  forests,  wandering  tribes  of  Indians  loitered  along  its  shores 
ami  lived  upon  the  whitefish  with  which  its  crystal  waters  were  teeming  and  the  deer  that  fill(;d  its 
forests.  The  headciuarters  of  thi'se  wandering  tribes  was  the  Sault  l)c  Ste.  Marie,  where  the  fish  were 
most  plentiful.  Hut  the  Indians  were  not  destined  to  hold  undis])uted  sway. 

As  early  as  the  lirst  i)art  of  the  17lh  century  two  French  traders,  lured  by  the  game  which  filled  the 
forests,  landed  on  Michigan  shores.  'l'emi)orary  stnicturcs  were  erected  fnan  time  to  time  until  1672, 
when  Father  Mariiuette,  a Jesuit  mi-ssionary,  founded  the  first  ])crmanent  settlement  at  the  Sault  De 
Ste.  Marie.  From  this  time  on  the  h^rench,  through  their  grace  and  ease  and  tact,  as  well  as  their 
unusual  ability  to  atlojit  the  ways  and  customs  of  the  Indians,  gradually  insinuated  themselves  into 
the  country. 

In  1701  LaMotte  Cadillac,  recognizing  the  importance  of  “The  Straits,’’  from  both  a strategic 
and  a commercial  point  of  view,  founded  a permanent  settlement  at  Detroit.  This  marks  the  true 
beginning  of  civil  life  in  Michigan.  In  spite  of  the  pronounced  advantages  of  its  position,  Detroit  did 
not  increase  rapidly  in  population,  and  the  extreme  sociability  of  the  French  people  i)rcventcd  their 
spreading  out  into  the  wilderness.  Prof.  Hinsdale,  in  “The  Old  Northwest,’’  tells  us  that  the  French 
had  three  objects  in  view  in  coming  to  New  France,  “Religion,  dominion,  and  the  fur  trade.’’  And 
consequently  wherever  they  came  were  found  “a  church,  a military  defence,  and  a trading  post.  The 
trader  was  opposed  to  settlements  because  they  meant  the  destruction  of  his  trade.  The  Jesuit  was 
opposed  to  them  because  they  meant  the  destruction  of  his  mission  field.  The  ‘voyageur’  and  the 
‘coureur  des  bois’  were  opposed  to  them  because  they  meant  the  destruction  of  their  favorite  modes 
of  life.  Only  the  soldier  was  left  and  his  business  was  not  colonization.’’  The  first  settlements,  and 
for  many  years  the  only  settlements  in  Michigan,  were  Alichilimackinac  and  the  Sault  De  Ste.  Marie. 
The  extreme  hostility  of  the  Indians  in  the  region  of  Lake  Erie,  as  well  as  the  greater  length  of  the  route, 
turned  the  tide  of  French  emigration  towards  the  north.  The  English  were  kept  pretty  strictly  to  their 
territory  east  of  the  Alleghanies  by  the  difficulties  of  the  passage  across  the  mountains.  Thus  were  the 
rich  lands  of  southern  IMichigan  preserved  for  the  energetic  American  farmer  who,  overcoming  all 
obstacles,  pushed  his  way  into  the  forests,  quickly  transforming  them  into  thrifty  agricultural  districts. 

About  the  middle  of  the  18th  century  came  the  struggle  between  France  and  England  for  disputed 
territory,  in  which  each  hoped  to  gain  dominion  over  the  entire  northwest  country.  The  French  had 
become  so  thoroughly  allied  with  the  Indians  that  in  this  struggle  the  latter,  with  one  accord,  cast  their 
lots  with  the  French  “Fathers,’’  as  the}"  called  them.  Notwithstanding,  in  1760  the  English  gained 
the  supremacy  and  agents  were  sent  in  all  directions  to  demand  allegiance  from  the  French  and  also 
from  the  Indians  who  pretended  to  be  overjoyed  at  the  outcome  of  the  contest. 

The  English  at  once  endeavored  to  introduce  some  system  and  order  into  the  new  country  which 
had  fallen  into  their  hands,  but  it  takes  more  than  law  to  overcome  the  habits  of  a century  and  a half. 
The  French  were  too  inactive  and  too  well  satisfied  with  their  present  mode  of  existence  to  exert 
themselves  to  adopt  new  customs;  the  forests  and  streams  furnished  them  with  the  necessary'  food  and 
they  enjoyed  their  rovring  existence  too  thoroughly  to  settle  down  to  regrilar  ways  and  habits.  The 
English  had  no  faculty  whatever  for  pacifying  the  Indians.  They  persisted  in  treating  them  with  a 
scorn  and  contempt  wdiich  the  haughty  savage  resented  in  the  extreme,  and  all  the  more  because  the 
French  had  shown  him  such  unusual  consideration  and  courtesy.  This  difference  in  the  attitude  of  the 
two  nations  towards  the  Indian  was  one  of  the  main  factors  in  withholding  civilization  from  the  lake 
country,  long  after  Ohio  and  Illinois  had  become  flourishing  commonwealths. 

Although  the  American  Colonies  had  won  in  their  struggle  with  Great  Britain,  it  was  not  until 


8 


M I C H I G A N 


Wayne’s  decisive  victory  over  the  Indians  on  the  banks  of  the  Maumee  and  the  subsequent  treaty  at 
Greenville  that  the  Americans  took  possession  of  the  posts  of  the  Northwest  Territory.  Plans  for 
government  were  then  talked  and  the  Ordinance  of  1787  became  the  law^  ruling  all  of  the  territories 
in  the  United  States. 

The  third  article  of  the  Ordinance  is  especially  worthy  of  note  on  account  of  the  vast  influence 
it  has  over  the  character  of  Michigan’s  popiflation.  It  states,  “Religion,  morality  and  knowledge 
being  necessary  to  good  government  and  the  happiness  of  mankind,  schools  and  the  means  of  education 
•shall  forever  be  encouraged.’’  Movements  in  favor  of  education  for  the  common  people,  to  which 
the  Ordinance  of  1787  gave  a new  stimulus,  were  started  from  time  to  time.  The  land  ordinance  of  1785 
set  apart  the  sixteenth  section  of  land  in  each  township  for  common  schools,  and  one  entire  township 
for  the  aid  of  schools  and  colleges.  This  was  the  first  step  toward  providing  for  the  people  of  the 
Northwest  Territory  the  system  of  free  education  of  which  the  state  is  now  justly  proud. 

In  1800  the  lower  peninsula  of  the  present  state  of  Michigan  constituted  nine-tenths  of  the  county 
of  Wayne,  the  other  tenth  being  within  the  boundaries  of  the  present  states  of  Ohio  and  Indiana.  The 
upper  peninsula  was,  with  the  exception  of  the  territory  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Sault  De  Ste. 
Marie,  unexplored  country.  The  census  returns  for  that  date  show  3,757  people  in  Michigan,  551  of 
whom  were  from  Mackinaw  county,  2,068  from  Detroit,  and  as  many  more  from  within  a radius  of  ten 
miles  of  Detroit,  and  most  of  the  remainder  from  the  banks  of  the  River  Raisin  within  the  limits  of  the 
present  county  of  Monroe.  The  highway  from  Ohio  to  Detroit  passed  through  IMonroe  county,  and 
settlements,  closely  packed  together  for  the  sake  of  protection  against  the  Indians,  gradually  sprang 
up  along  the  River  Raisin  for  a distance  of  eight  or  nine  miles. 

The  year  1805  saw  Michigan  cut  off  from  Ohio  and  Indiana  and  established  as  an  independent 
territory,  the  government  to  be  based  on  the  ordinance  of  1787.  This  territory  extended  on  the  west 
through  the  center  of  Lake  Michigan  north  to  the  intersection  with  Lake  Superior,  on  the  east  to  the 
water  boundary,  on  the  south  to  a line  due  east  and  west  from  the  extreme  southern  point  of  Lake 
Michigan,  and  on  the  north  to  the  internationa,!  boundarj".  The  first  governor  to  be  sent  to  the  new 
territory  was  General  William  Hull  of  Massachusetts,  a man  of  no  experience  in  frontier  life  and  entirely 
unacquainted  with  conditions  which  he  must  meet.  Hidl’s  first  glimpse  of  his  new  dominion  must 
have  been  a disappointment  indeed.  Instead  of  a comfortable  settlement,  well-housed  and  prosperous, 
only  the  smoking  ruins  of  the  town  of  Detroit  and  the  discouraged  inhabitants  in  a homeless  and 
pitiable  condition  met  his  gaze.  His  first  care  was  to  relieve  the  immediate  needs  of  the  people,  then 
he  turned  his  attention  towards  rebuilding  the  city.  Help  from  the  general  government  was  secured, 
and  Detroit  was  again  laid  out  and  this  time  on  much  more  generous  lines  than  before.  A bank  of 
Michigan  was  next  organized  and  without  authority  from  the  government.  However,  Hull’s  attention 
was  soon  absorbed  by  troubles  with  the  Indians,  who  were  a constant  source  of  annoyance  and  fear  to  the 
white  settlers  already  in  the  territory,  as  well  as  a very  active  agent  in  preventing  others  from  coming 
in.  At  the  close  of  the  first  decade  of  the  19th  centiiry,  the  increase  in  population  was  only  1,005  or  26 
per  cent  in  the  entire  territory  of  Michigan.  In  the  American  state  papers  we  find  that,  in  December, 
1811,  the  4,860  inhabitants  of  Michigan  w’ere  distributed  as  follows-  1,340  on  the  Miami,  the  Raisin 
and  the  Huron  of  Lake  Erie;  2,227  at  Detroit,  the  River  Rouge,  Ecorse  and  the  Huron  of  Lake  St.  Clair, 
and  1,070  on  the  Island  of  Mackin.aw  and  in  the  scattered  settlements. 

It  was  at  this  critical  and  discouraging  period  of  Michigan’s  history  that  Lewis  Cass,  a young  lawyer 
of  marked  ability  and  unusual  strength  and  uprightness  of  character,  became  governor  of  the  territory 
of  Alichigan.  Cass  had  lived  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  the  Northwest  Territory  and  understood 
life  on  the  frontier  thoroughly. 

Michigan  was  very  little  known  at  this  time,  the  general  impression  being  that  it  was  mainly  marsh 
land,  entirely  unfit  for  cultivation.  This  impression  was  confirmed  by  the  false  report  of  a party  of 
sur\'eyors  sent  out  by  the  United  States  government  to  survey  the  new  territory.  Two  million  acres 
of  land  had  been  set  aside  as  bounty  land  in  order  to  induce  settlers  to  come  to  Michigan,  but  for  some 
unknown  reason  the  surveyors  reported  the  whole  of  southern  ^Michigan  to  be  nothing  but  marshes  and 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


di'st'i’ts  with  sraivi'ly  mu'  am'  lit  for  cnllivation.  Nnl  iinlil  ISIS  war;  the  pulilic  laiul  ollicf  r.cciircd  hy 
(hr  tm'ilory,  aiul  not  until  tlu'ii  did  Michigan  ci Mimu'iicc  its  yrowlh  ;is  an  Aiiicricaii  scUlciiK'iit,, 

Anotlu'r  h'aturi'  most  disi'ourayiny  to  immij^ral ion  was  tiu'  lack  of  p'ood  road;,  t!a;s  wa:. 
cloarhcaiU'd  cnonyli  to  n'alizc  that  tlu'rc  must,  lu'  a di-cidcd  chaufjic'  within  the  Icrrilory  itself  Ixrforc 
there  I'ould  he  auv  hope  of  Mieliiyan’s  fullilliny  lu-r  ri('h  d('Stiny,  and  lu'  at  once  set  aI>ouL  makinj^  the 
ehanj,to.  llis  lirst  eare  was  to  relieve  the  distn'ss  of  tlu'  suffering  pc'ople  and  to  arouse  in  them  a little 
lu^pe  h>r  and  interest  in  the  futuri'.  1 h'  then  turned  his  mind  towards  i)acifying  the  Indians,  not  hy 
loadini’;  them  with  yifts,  hut  hy  gainin}j[  their  c'onlidenee  ihroupdi  fair  and  just  treatment,  and  he  soon 
sueeeeded  in  makin.u:  several  treaties  with  them  whereby  title  was  secured  to  the  greater  part  of  the 
land  in  southern  Michigan.  Cass  also  secured  the  aid  of  the  government  in  building  a road  from 
Detroit  to  Chicago,  and  made  i)lans  h)r  the  building  of  several  others.  In  1817  the  first  regular 
Michigan  newsixiiier,  the  Detroit  Cazette,  was  jiuhlishcd  and  the  following  year  the  first  steamer  on  the 
lakes,  the  Walk-in-the-\\’atcr,  came  through  Lake  Lrie  to  Detroit,  the  same  boat  astonishing  the  Indians 
in  ISlb  hy  steaming  into  Mac'kinaw  Island  without  any  visible  means  of  locomotion.  As  a direct 
result  of  the  strenuous  efforts  of  Covernor  Cass,  the  population  of  Michigan  almost  doubled  in  the  decade 
from  1810  to  1820,  and  most  of  the  increase  was  in  the  last  two  or  three  years  of  the  decade. 

Until  about  this  time  all  of  Michigan  was  contained  in  the  single  county  of  Wayne,  which  was 
divided  into  judicial  districts.  Cass  conceived  the  idea  of  dividing  the  territory  into  smaller  county 
divisions,  and  in  1815  Wayne  county,  w'hich  was  to  be  co-extensive  with  that  part  of  the  southern 
peninsula  to  which  the  title  was  clear,  was  laid  out  with  Detroit  as  the  county  seat.  Two  years  later 
Monroe  county,  comprising  all  of  the  present  county  of  Monroe  together  with  Lenawee  and  a comer 
of  Wayne,  the  south  half  of  Washtenaw  and  a corner  of  Jackson,  was  established  in  honor  of  the  visit 
to  the  territory  of  the  Hon.  James  Monroe.  The  village  of  Monroe  was  also  established  the  same  year 
under  the  name  of  Frenchtown.  The  next  year  Macomb  county,  embracing  most  of  the  eastern  half 
of  Michigan  between  the  northern  boundary  of  the  present  county  of  Wayne  and  the  thumb  of  the 
mitten,  and  IMichilimackinac,  embracing  all  of  the  lower  peninsula  north  of  Macomb,  were  laid  out. 
Four  years  later  Macomb  county  was  reorganized  to  consist  practically  of  the  same  territory  which 
it  comprises  today.  But  most  of  the  vast  territory  remained  a wilderness  for  many  years.  A little 
settlement  sprung  up  at  Mt.  Clemens,  a saw  and  grist  mill  were  erected,  and  in  1821  a schooner  was 
built  to  ply  between  the  new  town  and  Detroit.  This  gave  the  little  Village  a prestige  over  the 
surrounding  settlements.  The  county  soon  began  to  increase  more  rapidly  in  population  and  in  1828 
a new  impetus  was  given  when  a government  road  was  built  from  Detroit  through  Fort  Gratiot  to  Lake 
Huron. 

A road  was  built  from  Detroit  to  Pontiac  in  1818,  and  in  1820  the  county  of  Oakland  was  organized 
with  Pontiac  as  the  county  seat.  Settlers  were  attracted  to  this  part  of  the  country  from  the  East 
because  of  its  proximity  to  Detroit  and  because  of  the  beautiful  openings  interspersed  thickly  with 
crystal  lakes  which  met  the  gaze  of  the  eager  “land-looker.”  The  class  of  immigrants  who  came  to 
Oakland  county  is  worthy  of  notice,  being  an  intelligent  and  refined  class  of  New  England  farmers, 
who  came  to  Michigan  with  the  idea  of  working  hard  to  can'e  out,  from  the  wilderness,  homes  for 
themselves  and  their  children.  The  geographical  position  of  Oakland  county  gave  it  unusual  political 
and  commercial  importance,  and  in  1827  there  were  1,400  people  in  the  county.  By  1830  it  was  fairly 
well  settled,  while  Pontiac  was  the  center  of  trade  for  all  the  region  north  and  northwest  as  far  as 
Saginaw. 

The  country  along  the  water  route,  from  Lake  Erie  to  Lake  Huron,  had  been  settled  to  some  extent 
before  this  time,  but  was  too  much  out  of  the  way  to  increase  very  rapidly  in  population  The  advent 
of  the  steamboat  in  1819  drew  immigrants  to  this  part  of  the  country,  and  in  1820  St.  Clair  county  was 
organized.  In  the  same  year  the  steamer  St.  Clair  was  built  at  Marine  City,  which  is  one  of  the  most 
extensive  ship  building  towns  in  Alichigan  today.  Two  years  later  Sanilac  county,  comprising  the 
present  counties  of  Huron,  Tuscola  and  Sanilac,  was  laid  out  by  proclamation  of  Governor  Cass,  thus 


10 


M I C II  I G A N 


com])Ictins'  the  organization  of  the  country  on  the  cast  coast  of  Michigan  as  far  north  as  the  extremity 
of  the  thumb. 

In  1823  a land  office  was  opened  in  Monroe  for  the  sale  of  lands  in  the  southern  part  of  Washtenaw 
and  Jackson  counties  and  the  country  west  of  Monroe  to  Lake  ^Michigan.  The  difficulty  of  the  stage 
journey,  which  was  the  only  way  of  reaching  Lake  Eric  from  the  east  before  1825,  had  proved  a serious 
obstacle  to  the  rapid  settlement  of  the  new  country,  but  the  comioletion  of  the  Erie  canal  in  that  year 
gave  the  necessary  im]jetus  to  immigration,  and  settlers  from  New  York  and  New  England  were  soon 
])ushing  into  the  territory.  I'hc  following  year  found  at  least  a half  dozen  steamers  plying  on  the  lakes, 
and  the  trij)  from  Buffalo  to  Detroit  being  made  daily.  During  the  year  1825  we  find  the  county  of 
Lenawee  organized  with  Tccumseh,  which  was  the  first  point  of  settlement  on  account  of  the  splendid 
hydraulic  i^ower  of  the  River  Raisin  at  that  point,  as  the  county  seat. 

In  1826  Washtenaw  county,  which  had  been  opened  to  settlers  through  the  territorial  road  which 
passed  through  Ypsilanti,  was  organized,  taking  in  not  only  its  present  territory,  but  parts  of  Ingham, 
Livingston  and  Jackson  counties.  By  1830  Washtenaw  could  boast  of  4,032  inhabitants.  Soon  after 
the  organization  of  Lenawee  county  in  1826,  the  territory  on  the  west  to  Lake  Michigan  was  organized 
into  the  township  of  St.  Joseph  and  attached  to  it.  The  oak  openings  found  through  this  portion  of 
the  state  were  especially  attractive  from  an  agricultural  point  of  view,  and  consequently,  although 
there  were  but  few  inhabitants  there  at  that  time,  St.  Joseph  and  Cass  counties  were  formally  organized 
in  1829,  and  schools,  postoffices  and  grist  mills  were  soon  in  active  operation.  Ingham  count}^  with  its 
present  boundaries,  was  also  organized  the  same  year.  By  1830  the  population  of  the  state  had  increased 
to  31 ,639,  an  increase  of  260.9  per  cent  as  compared  with  the  84  per  cent  of  the  previous  decade. 

In  1831  Berrien  county,  to  which  settlers  had  come  on  1829,  was  organized.  The  same  year  the 
government  land  office  was  removed  to  White  Pigeon,  and  in  1834  to  Kalamazoo.  This  marks  the 
beginning  of  the  active  settlement  of  western  ]\Iichigan.  In  1830  a rough  road  was  built  from  Ann 
Arbor  to  the  village  of  Jackson,  over  which  the  hard}-  pioneers  pushed  their  way.  They  fotind  an 
abundance  of  hay  and  plenty  of  wild  game,  but  the  nearest  grist  mill,  to  which  it  was  necessary  to  make 
occasional  laborious  trips,  was  situated  at  Dexter  in  Washtenaw  county.  This  prevented  rapid 
settlement,  but  two  years  later  a sawmill  was  established  and  Jackson  county  w'as  organized.  The 
same  year  Kalamazoo  county  was  organized,  and  Van  Buren  established  and  attached  to  Cass,  although 
not  formally  organized  until  1837.  Settlement  in  Calhoun  coiinty  began  in  1830  at  the  jt;nction  of  the 
rivers,  Marshall  being  the  first  point  of  settlement  and  Kalamazoo  the  .second.  Soon  the  territorial 
road  was  built  and  other  roads  marked  oiit,  and,  in  1833,  both  Calhoun  and  Branch  counties  were 
organized.  The  organization  of  the  lower  tier  of  counties  in  ^Michigan  was  completed  in  1835  by  the 
organization  of  Hillsdale  county,  and  the  second  tier  by  the  organization  of  Van  Buren  in  1837.  The 
spirit  of  enterprise  which  characterized  the  first  half  of  the  decade  did  much  toward  the  improvement 
and  rapid  settlement  of  southern  Michigan. 

As  early  as  1832  the  population  of  Michigan  had  increased  to  such  an  extent  that  the  question  of 
admission  into  the  Lbrion  as  a state  began  to  be  agitated.  According  to  the  Ordinance  of  1787,  60,000 
inhabitants  were  necessary  before  a territory  covdd  apply  for  admission,  and  in  1834,  when  the  census 
showed  87,278  inhabitants,  steps  were  at  once  taken  to  form  a state  government  and  to  mark  off  the 
exact  limits  of  the  new  state,  but  a dispute  with  Ohio  arose  concerning  the  southern  boundary.  Both  states 
refused  to  yield  their  right  to  the  strip  of  disputed  territory,  and  Congress,  in  turn,  refused  to  admit 
Michigan  into  the  Union  as  a state  until  the  question  was  settled.  Finally,  in  order  to  bring  an  end 
to  the  difficulty.  Congress  offered  ^Michigan  the  upper  peninsula  instead  of  this  narrow  strip  of  land, 
but,  at  a convention  held  at  Ann  Arbor  in  1836,  the  offer  was  refused.  It  was  soon  seen,  however,  that 
nothing  was  being  gained  by  the  delay,  and  early  in  1837  Michigan,  enriched  by  the  valuable  mining 
districts  of  the  upper  peninsula,  was  admitted  into  the  Union  as  the  twenty-sixth  state,  and  Stephen 
T.  IMason  was  chosen  governor. 

The  Sagina^v  Valley  had  been  a point  of  attraction  for  settlers  for  several  5"ears  on  account  of  its 
fine  location  at  the  head  of  the  bay,  but  as  yet  it  was  very  difficult  of  access,  the  only  route  being  an 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1 1 


i'X(.'i'i‘tIinj^lv  nitlr  p.'itli  I'roni  ni'lmit  ihrotij^h  l*'linl.  A fi'W  of  llic  mure  l';irs('cin;;  of  flic  pioneer:;  felt 
sure  that  a larj^e  was  lo  itow  and  llourish  niion  ihis  sile,  Iml  it  was  lianl  to  make  the  nianv  feel 
that  the  uninvitins;  marshes,  of  whii-li  most  of  the  valley  was  eomiiosed,  would  ever  he  of  value,  d'he 
spirit  of  speeulation  had  set  in  howc'Vt’r  hy  ISd.S  and  vSa).t'>i!iw  eounty  was  orp'anized . Soon  a “wild  eat” 
hank  was  I'stahlished.  a steamer  arrivi'd  and  c-ity  lots  were  sold  at  f.ahulous  jiriees.  Alle^'an  and  Lapeer 
eounties  were  oreauized  the  same  year,  tlu'  latter  ineludin^  more  townships  on  the  north  and  east  than 
it  does  at  the  present  time.  'I'he  year  ISdh  marks  th('  organization  of  Livin^'ston,  f/cnesee  and  Kent 
eounties.  Immigrants  eame  into  Livin.yston  eounty  o\'er  the  (irand  river  road,  attraeted  lar},'ely  hy 
the  erist  mill  wliieh  was  situated  at  Mriyhtou.  Kent  county  liad  Ijcen  settled  larj^ely  hy  settlers  who 
eame  throu.yli  (Irand  Haven,  the  ealeway  to  the  northern  i)art  of  Ottawa  eounty.  'I'his  had  been  the 
lieaiUiuarters  of  twenty  trading  posts  cstal>lished  hv  the  American  I'nr  Company  in  1827,  hut 
immigration,  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word,  did  not  begin  until  1833-4,  from  which  time  (Irand  Haven 
has  stoenl  for  development  along  the  Crand  river.  At  this  time  two  small  saw  mills,  near  the  village 
of  Crand  Rapids,  met  all  demands.  As  only  prairie  roads  led  to  the  interior,  the  only  market  was 
Chicago,  then  a city  of  about  2,000  inhabitants.  In  1837  Ottawa  county  was  organized,  although  all 
the  southern  part  was  a wilderness  for  some  time  to  come.  In  the  same  year  the  counties  of  Eaton, 
Shiawassee,  \'an  Huren  and  Ionia  were  organized.  Bcllevirc,  in  the  southwest  comer  of  Eaton  county, 
was  opened  to  settlement  by  a road  built  through  from  Battle  Creek  in  183.S.  The  lime  quarries 
underlying  one  section  of  land  were  an  attraction  and  some  attempts  were  made  to  ship  the  product 
that  same  year,  but  these  proved  a failure  on  account  of  the  cost  of  shipping.  The  heavily  timbered 
lands  in  the  northern  part  of  the  county  attracted  lumbemren  in  1835-6,  and  the  manufacture  of  pot  and 
pearl  ash  and  salcratus  added  greatly  to  the  clearing  up  of  the  land.  Charlotte  was  made  the 
county  scat  in  1838.  In  1833  the  De.xtcr  colony,  following  an  Indian  trail  which  was  practically  the 
present  Grand  river  road,  pushed  their  way  into  Shiawassee  county.  Owosso  was  laid  out  at  the  fork 
of  the  river  in  1835  and  a few  months  later  was  made  the  county  seat  of  Shiawassee  county.  The  first 
settlers  had  entered  Van  Buren  county  from  Cass,  thus  settling  the  southern  part  first.  Later  the 
territorial  road  opened  the  country  to  settlers  from  the  east  and  it  was  detached  from  Cass.  Ionia 
county  owes  its  settlement  at  this  time  to  the  famous  Grand  river  road.  The  next  counties  to  be 
organized  were  Barry  and  Clinton  in  1839,  completing  the  four  southern  tiers.  Settlement  in  Barry 
did  not  begin  until  late  in  the  decade,  when  its  rich  soil  attracted  settlers  from  Calhoun  and  Kalamazoo 
counties.  The  settlement  of  Clinton  county,  however,  began  much  earlier.  A road  was  cut  through 
from  Ann  Arbor  in  1833,  intersecting  the  Dexter  road  in  Shiawassee  county,  but  poor  accommodations 
and  poor  roads  made  settlement  slow  until  1837,  when  schools,  mills  and  roads  were  established  and 
the  rush  began. 

Immigrants  were  now  pouring  into  the  state  in  a continuous  stream  overland  and  every  steamer 
which  crossed  Lake  Erie  to  Detroit  was  crowded.  As  a result  of  this  rush  for  land,  prices  rose  with 
astonishing  rapidity.  The  people  became  excited  at  the  prospects  which  seemed  to  be  opening  up 
before  them,  and  the  rulers  of  the  new  state,  forgetting  prudence,  plunged  madly  into  extensive  schemes 
for  internal  improvements.  Three  great  systems  of  railroads,  the  Southern,  Central,  and  Northern, 
were  planned,  and  the  Central  was  constructed  as  far  as  Kalamazoo.  All  three  were  sold  to  private 
corporations  in  the  early  forties.  But  the  people  themselves  were  wealthy  in  nothing  but  the  ability 
and  energy  to  produce,  and  as  the  demand  for  money  to  carry  on  the  plans  of  the  government  became 
pressing,  the  simple  plan  of  making  more  money  was  put  into  operation.  Banks  sprang  up  as  if  by 
magic  in  every  part  of  the  state  and  the  country  was  flooded  with  bank  notes  of  every  description. 
A suspension  of  specie  payment  was  tried  and  then,  to  relieve  the  pressure,  the  government  prescribed 
the  homeopathic  dose  of  unlimited  banking  or  “wild  cat”  banking  as  it  was  popularly  termed.  The 
situation  reached  a climax  at  the  end  of  the  decade  when  only  six  banks  were  doing  business  and  over 
forty  were  in  the  hands  of  receivers.  The  great  works  of  internal  improvement  were  at  a standstill 
for  lack  of  funds,  and  a general  panic  prevailed  throughout  the  state.  But  money  difficulties  could  not 
stop  the  swift  stream  of  immigration  at  once  and  the  population  of  the  state  continued  to  increase  for 


12 


MICHIGAN 


some  time  at  a marvelous  rate,  the  eensus  of  1840  showing  212,267  people,  an  increase  of  570.9  per  cent 
over  the  i)revious  census. 

As  early  as  1826  a large  part  of  the  upper  peninsula  was  organized  as  Chippewa  county,  with  the 
Sault  l)c  Stc.  Marie  as  county  seat,  and  in  1843,  nearly  twenty  years  later,  it  was  reorganized  to  consist 
of  much  less  territory,  but  still  more  than  at  the  present  time.  A few  settlers  had  wandered  into  the 
county  of  Delta  by  this  time  and  it  was  organized  the  same  year.  Two  years  later  Houghton  county, 
with  Schoolcraft,  Marquette,  Ontonagon  and  Keweenaw  counties  attached  to  it,  was  organized.  This 
section  of  the  country  was  almost  of  no  value  for  agricultural  purposes,  but  the  indications  of  rich  mineral 
wealth  were  evident  at  every  turn.  The  natural  waterway,  too,  offered  great  advantages  and  the 
necessity  of  a canal  through  the  Sault  to  connect  the  great  lakes  had  been  seen  and  urged  upon  the 
people  as  early  as  1837. 

The  copper  range  of  Ontonagon  county  was  carefully  looked  into  by  Dr.  Houghton  in  1845, 
and  within  the  next  few  years  mining  companies,  composed  mostly  of  Boston  capitalists,  sprang  up 
throughout  the  county.  The  first  actual  copper  mining  to  be  done  in  the  upper  peninsula,  however, 
was  off  Keweenaw  Point  some  time  before  this.  In  1846  Ontonagon  county  was  given  a separate 
organization.  In  the  lower  peninsula  only  two  counties,  Tuscola  and  Montcalm,  were  organized  during 
this  period,  Tuscola  being  detached  in  1845  from  Oakland  county,  and  A-Iontcalm  in  1850  from  Kalamazoo. 
The  census  returns  of  1850  show  a falling  off  of  486.6  in  the  percentage  of  increase,  the  population  of 
the  state  being  only  397,654,  which  was  an  increase  of  87.3  per  cent  over  the  population  of  1840. 

Next  to  agriculture,  the  lumber  industry,  the  active  development  of  which  began  about  this  time, 
was  now  attracting  the  most  attention.  Its  distribution  was  determined  by  the  rivers  and  railroads. 
The  first  operations  of  importance  were  in  the  Saginaw  valley,  where  a sawmill  was  in  operation  in  1837, 
although,  on  account  of  the  business  depre.ssion,  nothing  of  importance  was  accomplished  until  1846. 
Soon  sawmills  began  to  multiply  at  all  accessible  ports,  and  lumber  camps  appeared  on  all  the  tributaries 
of  the  Grand,  St.  Joseph  and  Saginaw  rivers.  These  smaller  streams  soon  became  fairly  black  with 
logs  floating  down  to  convenient  mills,  and  the  wilderness  became  a veritable  hive  of  industry.  The 
difficulty  of  navigating  the  river  above  Bay  City  was  responsible  for  the  placing  of  stations  below  that 
point.  In  1855  Midland  county  was  detached  from  Saginaw,  and  by  1857  the  citizens  of  Bay  county 
were  demanding  a separate  organization  while  Saginaw  county  was  as  vigorously  objecting  to  the  loss 
of  the  head  of  Saginaw  Bay  from  her  domain.  Bay  county  gained  her  point,  however,  and  was  diily 
organized.  Lumbeniien  were  soon  working  their  way  into  various  points  along  the  shore  of  Lake  Huron, 
and  Alpena  county  was  ready  for  organization  in  1857. 

The  so-called  Grand  Traverse  region  was  comparatively  isolated,  being  off  the  regular  route  of 
immigration,  and  therefore  little  was  known  about  this  part  of  the  state. 

Late  in  the  forties  a few  pioneers,  lured  by  the  beauty  of  the  scene,  formed  a little  settlement  at 
the  head  of  the  bay.  This  was  the  beginning  of  Traverse  City.  In  1851  Grand  Traverse  county  was 
organized  with  Boardman’s  IMills  as  the  county  seat.  Newaygo  and  Marquette  counties  were  also 
organized  the  same  year,  Newaygo  representing  the  lumber  interest  and  Marquette  both  lumber. and  the 
new  iron  range  which  had  been  discovered  by  Dr.  Houghton  in  1845.  This  discovery  opened  up  another 
large  region  of  the  upper  peninsula  to  rapid  settlement.  A party  of  Jackson  capitalists  started  a company 
in  1849  for  the  mining  of  iron  in  the  Marquette  range,  but  from  lack  of  transportation  facilities  none 
was  shipped  until  1856,  the  year  after  the  completion  of  the  Sault  canal.  The  Marquette  iron  region 
extends  a distance-of  forty  miles  from  the  city  of  Marquette  to  L’Anse. 

Several  fishermen  had  been  attracted  to  the  district  around  the  straits  of  Mackinac  in  1851  and  a 
few  of  them  had  remained  and  become  permanent  settlers.  Soon  a little  village  was  started  at  Harbor 
Springs  and,  in  1853,  the  counties  of  Emmet  and  Cheboygan  were  organized.  Two  years  later  the 
four  counties  of  Gratiot,  Oceana,  Mason  and  Manistee  were  organized,  the  last  three  bordering  on  the 
lake  and  valuable  for  their  lumber.  In  1855  St.  Louis,  Ithaca  and  Alma  were  platted,  and  the  so-called 
“graduation  act’’  was  passed,  whereby  the  price  of  land  in  Gratiot  and  Isabella  counties  was  reduced 
to  fifty  cents  per  acre  for  actual  settlers,  thus  preventing  speculators  from  buying  up  the  land.  The 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


result  was  a rush  of  iunuij^ratiou  iutu  ('iiatiot  and  iio  surplus  of  j)rovisi(jns  to  acroniiiKxlatc  the  larpo 
aiul  siuUIeu  iiu'rc'ase  of  people.  P'roin  lS5'l-()()  there  was  terril)Ic  sulTeriii^  from  [jrivation  and  want 
niul  the  eouuty  was  uic'knami'd  “starving'  ('iratiot”  in  eonseciuence.  Diirinp'  this  fXTiod  there  wen- 
5,(K)0  people  in  (Iratiot  ('ounty  and  no  sur|>lus  of  [)r()visions  within  fifty  miles.  Ciradually,  however, 
supply  ami  demand  found  their  i)roi)er  level,  the  ])eople  became  eomfortablc  and  j)rosperoiis  and  today 
('■raliot  eouuty  is  eonsidered  one  of  the  l)est  counties  in  the  state  of  Michipan. 

Isabella  county  was  o])ened  by  a road  from  (iratiot  in  1854  and  the  next  year  settlements  were 
made  the  site  of  Mt.  Pleasant. 

Muskepon,  Mecosta  and  Huron  counties  were  orpanized  the  same  year,  Muskepon  beinp  opened 
by  a road  to  Ravenna  connectinp  with  the  (irand  Rai)ids  road,  Durinp  this  decade,  in  1854,  the  first 
state  eensus,  under  the  iircsi'ut  law,  was  taken.  Of  the  forty  orpanized  counties  at  that  time,  twenty-one 
contaimnl  more  than  1 (),()()()  inhabitants.  At  the  close  of  the  decade  the  entire  population  of  Michipan 
was  74b.  115,  an  increase  of  88.3  per  cent  over  1850.  The  time  of  phenomenal  growth  for  Michigan  was 
over  with  the  financial  min  of  the  late  thirties,  and  hereafter  she  was  to  know  only  a good,  healthy 
increase. 

Keweenaw  county  was  detached  from  Houghton  and  given  an  organization  of  its  own  in  1861. 
A rich  portion  of  the  copper  belt  extends  through  Keweenaw,  and  the  comparatively  easy  access  to  the 
harbor  on  the  north  caused  the  early  miners  to  consider  this  their  headquarters.  In  1863  Menominee 
county  was  detached  from  Delta  and  organized. 

Two  counties  in  the  Grand  Traverse  region,  Antrim  and  Leelanau,  were  organized  in  1863.  The 
settlement  of  Leelanau  county  dates  back  to  1847,  when  a man  in  search  of  health  settled  at  Glen  Arbor. 
The  following  year  a mission  was  started  at  Northport  and,  in  1849,  a settlement  was  made  at  Elk  Rapids. 
Its  growth  was  very  slow  however,  and  not  until  1852  was  the  city  laid  out.  Three  years  later  new 
and  enterprising  hands  took  hold  of  the  old  saw-mill  and  to  this  fact  is  due  the  subseqtient  advance  and 
success  of  Leelanau  county. 

The  whole  country  was  now  passing  through  the  most  terrible  experience  in  its  history.  The  great 
War  of  the  Rebellion  was  at  its  height  and  Michigan  under  the  able  leadership  of  Austin  Blair,  was 
doing  her  full  share  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  More  than  90,000  of  her  best  men  took  part 
in  the  stmggle  and  many  thousands  died  on  the  field.  It  was  many  years  after  this  before  the  people 
of  Alichigan  had  the  heart  or  courage  to  do  much  towards  the  industrial  advancement  of  their  state. 

Not  until  1869  did  Michigan  recover  herself  sufficiently  from  the  ill  effects  of  the  war  to  turn  her 
attention  to  the  building  up  of  the  state.  In  that  3^ear  five  counties,  Alcona,  Charlevoix,  Benzie,  Wexford 
and  Osceola,  were  organized,  the  last  four  named  being  taken  from  the  old  county  of  Michilimackinac. 
The  county  of  Benzie  had  been  brought  to  public  notice  in  a pecidiar  manner  in  1854  when  a sailing 
vessel  caught  in  a gale  was  driven  by  chance  into  the  mouth  of  the  Betsey  river.  The  captain  of  the 
vessel  was  so  delighted  with  the  location  that  a settlement  was  made  and  a postoffice  opened  in  1860. 

The  census  of  1870  showed  a population  of  1,184,059,  an  increase  of  58  per  cent  over  the  population 
of  1860. 

The  splendid  pine  timber  lands  in  the  northern  part  of  the  lower  peninsula  were  gradually  being 
opened  up  by  lumbermen  and  by  1870  Michigan  stood  at  the  head  of  the  lumber  producing  states  of 
the  Union.  There  were  few  settlers,  in  the  usual  sense  of  the  word,  in  this  part  of  the  cotmtry,  as  the 
tall,  bleak  pines  offered  little  inducement  to  immigrants  who  could  go  just  a little  farther  west  and  find 
all  the  rich  farming  country  they  could  possibly  wish  for.  The  railroads  had  not  yet  opened  up  this 
northern  country  to  even  comparatively  rapid  settlement.  Extensive  kunber  operations,  however, 
were  opened  up  in  Roscommon,  Gladwin  and  Clare  counties  in  1871,  and  in  spite  of  the  scarcity  of 
inhabitants  the  counties  of  Lake,  Alissaukee,  Kalkaska,  Presque  Isle  and  Clare  were  organized  the 
same  year,  and  Ogemaw,  Otsego,  Roscommon  and  Gladwin  in  1875.  In  the  latter  year  Baraga  coimty 
was  detached  from  Houghton  and  organized  separately.  This  part  of  the  upper  peninsula  had  been 
known  to  explorers  from  the  earliest  period  and  Father  Frederick  Baraga  established  a mission  station 
there  in  1834. 


14 


MICHIGAN 


The  last  county  to  be  organized  during  this  decade  was  Crawford  county,  which  was  organized  in 
1879.  By  1880  there  were  1,636,937  j^eople  in  Michigan,  an  increase  of  38.2  per  cent  in  ten  years.  In 
1881  Oscoda  and  Montmorency  counties  were  organized,  and  Arenac  two  years  later.  Schoolcraft 
county,  which  had  been  organized  in  1871,  although  consisting  of  as  rich  an  agricultural  district  as  any 
in  the  southern  peninsula,  remained  a wilderness  until  ten  years  ago,  when  the  I).  M.  & M.  railroad 
])assed  through.  In  1885  Alger  county  was  detached  from  Schoolcraft  and  organized  by  itself,  and  Iron 
county  was  organized  from  Marquette  and  l(lenominee.  Two  years  later  Gogebic  and  Luce  counties 
were  organized,  Gogebic  being  taken  from  Ontonagon,  and  Luce  from  Chippewa  and  Mackinac.  The 
Gogebic  iron  range  and  the  Colby  mine  at  Bessemer  were  first  opened  up  in  1883  and  Gogebic  county, 
taken  from  Ontonagon,  was  organized  in  1887. 

The  organization  of  Dickinson  county,  in  1891,  from  Marquette,  Iron  and  Menominee,  forms  the 
last  chapter  in  the  hi.story  of  the  organization  of  counties  in  Michigan. 

The  history  of  Michigan,  during  the  last  twenty  or  more  years,  is  the  history  of  her  great  agricultural 
advancement  and  the  development  of  her  great  industries. 


One  of  the  many  thousand  present  day  farm  homes  in  Michigan. 


M I ('  II  I A N 


1 


MK'IIICAN  AC'.AIN. 

It  is  MiuK'ni  Mic'hijjj.'ui,  tin*  Mifhijjjtin  of  lodtiy  rather  llitin  the  iVIichij^an  of 
vestonltiy,  that  will  he  diseussed  iii  this  piil )lietd ion,  hut  for  the  purposes  of  showing 
hy  einnparison  the  ei)inforts  tnul  advtinltiges  to  he  laid  today  as  against  those  obtainable 
in  the  piotu'er  days  of  the  stcUte  tind  for  the  ])nrp()se  of  showing  the  steafly  growth 
;ind  development  made  sinee  the  white  man  first  stepi)ed  foot  upon  w'hat  is  now 
Miehigan,  space  has  been  given  in  the  foregoing  i)ages  to  show  briefly  the  various 
stages  of  Miehigtm’s  develo])ment. 

'I'he  history  of  the  state  of  Michigan  during  more  recent  years  is  the  history  of 
her  great  industries.  The  great  ])ine  forests  have  been  gradually  cleared  away  and 
the  woodsman  and  the  axe  have  slowly  but  surely  been  replaced  by  the  husbandman 
and  the  idow.  The  prosperit}"  of  Michigan,  however,  is  not  dependent  upon  her 
}')ine  timber,  for  in  the  passing  of  the  lumberman  her  agricultural  resources,  the 
wealth  of  her  mines  and  the  extent  of  her  manufacturing  industries  are  daily  giving 
assurance  to  even  the  most  pessimistic  observer  that  Michigan  is  destined  to  hold 
for  many  generations  the  high  place  which  she  has  made  for  herself  among  the  states 
of  the  union. 


LOCATION,  AREA  AND  POPULATION. 

Michigan’s  place  at  the  head  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Basin  and  in  line  with  the 
Mohawk  Valley  of  New  York,  and  practically  surrounded  by  the  Great  Lakes,  is  a 
most  advantageous  location.  The  state  has  water  communication  with  seven  other 
states  and  with  Ontario,  the  most  populous  part  of  Canada,  or  altogether  with  an 
area  having  a population  of  about  30, 000, 000  people,  thus  affording  an  unexcelled 
market  for  Alichigan  products.  On  the  whole,  Michigan,  by  her  position  and  through 
her  resources,  has  played  a leading  part  in  the  development  of  the  “Old  Northwest” 
and  in  turn  has  shared  largely  in  the  $19,000,000  spent  by  the  Federal  Government 
on  the  harbors  and  channels  on  the  Great  Lakes,  and  in  the  cheaper  freight  rates  due 
to  these  improvements. 

Michigan  is  not  merely  a State.  She  is  an  Empire  containing  36,370,779.62 
acres  of  land,  exclusive  of  water,  or  about  57,000  square  miles.  This  great  area  of 
land  forming  the  two  peninsulas  is  equal  to  a strip  of  land  more  than  two  and  one-third 
miles  wide  that  would  reach  around  the  earth  at  the  equator.  Michigan  is  the  largest 
state  in  the  “Old  Northwest”  and  the  largest,  except  Georgia,  east  of  the  Alississippi; 
is  about  one-fourth  the  size  of  France:  of  the  same  area  as  England  and  Wales.  The 
Lower  Peninsula  is  nearly  equal  in  size  to  one  of  the  five  states,  Ohio,  Indiana, 
Virginia,  Kentucky  or  Tennesee.  The  L’pper  peninsula  is  larger  than  New  England, 
except  Alaine,  and  larger  than  Delaware  and  Alaryland  together. 

The  population  of  Alichigan  (L’'.  S.  Government  Census  of  1909)  is  2,810,173. 


16 


M 1 c:  1 1 J (}  A N 


Raising  registered  cattle  is  very  profitable  in  Michigan 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


'I'lu'  population  of  tlu'  Stat(‘  in  l‘)()()  vv.as  2,42(),‘^<H2  vvliicli  represents  an  increase 
(hiring  the  last  di'isuh’  of  aS‘>,  1 1 , or  1 ()  1-10',  In  one  cent nry,  or  fiv)ni  1 H 1 0 to  1010, 
Mic'lh.yan’s  population  has  j^rown  from  ■l,7()2  to  2,<S10,17A  and  now  r.anks,  thinl  in 
the  “(Hd  Northwest”  j^ronj)  of  states,  and  eighth  in  the  Union.  M ielnYsan’s 
])i'pnlation  in  tlu'  last  (ifty  yi'ars  has  hc'csi  four  times  that  of  the  first  half  of  the  century. 

In  the  tli\'ision  of  tlu'  Statc'N  ])opnlation  ol  2,<S10,l7d,  52  S 10'/  live  in  the  rural 
eommnniti('S,  while  17  2 10' V,  or  lusirly  half,  live*  in  the  cities,  while  in  l')00,  or  ten 
years  jirevions,  ()0  7 lO'/.  of  tlu'  total  ])()])nlation  lived  in  the  rural  territory  and 
50  10''(  liveil  in  the  cities.  'That  the  mannfactnrini^  industries  of  the  state  have 

made  wonderful  strides  in  the  last  (h'cade  and  that  the  rural  communities  have  been 
the  losers  in  a i^reater  or  less  degree  is  evident,  and  one  needs  only  to  j)oint  to  the 
fact  that  in  the  last  ten  years  the  ('itics  have  increased  37  3-10%  while  the  rural 
poi)nlation,  ct)mprising  the  remainder,  has  increased  only  2%,  and  in  many  of  the 
best  agricultural  counties  of  the  state  the  rural  ])Oj)nlation  has  greatly  fallen  off,  in 
some  eases  as  high  as  10'/'. 


Sheep  grazing  on  cut  over  lands. 


MICHIGAN  IN  COMPETITION  WITH  THE  WORLD. 

The  resources  and  products  of  Michigan  are  so  varied  in  character  that  it  has 
been  said  that  a fence  or  wall  could  be  built  around  the  state  of  Michigan  and  her 
people  could  go  on  living  for  centuries  without  outside  assistance.  We  could  house 
and  warm  ourselves  from  our  forests  and  subterranean  fuel;  clothe  and  feed  ourselves 
from  the  products  of  our  flocks,  fields  and  orchards:  could  build  our  railroads,  telegraph 
and  telephone  lines  from  our  own  iron  and  copper  mines.  Food  and  recreation  could 
be  furnished  by  our  lakes,  streams  and  woods,  while  our  manufacturing  industries 
could  supply  us  with  every  necessity  and  luxury,  from  a clothes  pin  to  an  automobile. 
While  IMichigan  could  exist  as  an  isolated  empire,  with  her  people  enjoying  all  the 
reasonable  comforts  and  luxuries  of  life,  with  the  exception  of  cotton,  which  is  not 
produced  in  this  state,  she  extends  a welcoming  hand  to  those  from  without  who 
would  assist  in  developing  and  tilling  the  thousands  of  acres  of  available  agricultural 
lands  within  the  state,  and  a detaining  hand  to  Michigan’s  sons  who  would  be  lured 
by  the  strong  advertising  of  the  Western  states  and  Northwestern  Canada. 


IS 


M I C n I (}  A X 


“thI':  (.^uery”  and  “the  answer.” 

It  is  hardy  ])0ssil)lc  that  in  the  reading  of  this  pu1)lication  by  some  who  have 
not  laid  an  o])]:)ortnnity  of  knowing  the  true  condition  of  Michigan’s  development, 
the  cpicstion  might  arise,  Why  is  there  such  a large  area  in  Michigan  still  undeveloped, 
and  why,  if  the  undeveloped  lands  in  the  state  are  desiralde,  have  they  not  been 
converted  into  farms  that  would  be  producing  cro])s  long  ago. 

Michigan  being  a timl)ered  state,  her  development  along  agricultural  lines  was 
necessarily  slower  than  some  of  her  sister  states  farther  west  that  were  of  the  prairie 
variety  and,  consecpiently,  could  be  developed  into  farms  at  less  expense  than  the 
forest  areas  of  the  Wolverine  State.  This,  added  to  the  fact  that  in  the  early  days 
there  was  no  market  for  the  forest  products  of  Southern  Michigan,  and  the  timber 
was  only  cut  as  fast  as  the  lands  could  be  converted  into  wheat  fields,  made  the 
progress  of  development  somewhat  slow. 


A new  settler’s  second  season  on  the  ground. 


The  lumber  industry,  which  has  held  the  center  of  the  stage  in  Michigan  for  so 
many  years  has  gradually  moved  northward  and  its  operations  have  been  so  complete 
that  there  is  now  comparatively  little  timber  left  for  further  operations.  The  result 
of  this  is  that  the  lumberman  is  seeking  new  fields  and  the  men  whose  fathers  and 
grandfathers  spent  their  lives  in  the  woods  and  saw  mills  are  now  turning  their 
attention  to  a vocation  comparatively  new  to  them,  agriculture  and  the  development 
of  the  thousands  of  acres  of  land  left  in  the  passing  of  the  lumberman. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


10 


W’hiK'  ollu'f  states  have  hern  adx'ei'tisinjf  tlieif  oppoii  nnil  ies  and  po:;.,il)ilit.ieo, 
Mii'hii^an  has  tood  still  in  this  nspecd  and  peianilted  tlie  vvesicni  states  and 
nnrt h\v('st('rn  ('anada,  not  only  to  take  tlu'  prospi-elive  settler  from  New  York,  t)hio 
and  I'lsi'wlu'n',  who  would  inaki'  j^ood  and  heroine  a real  asset  to  the  state,  hut  ha  ; 
pt'rmitted  tlu'  takini;  away  of  our  own  uk'u  whom  we  need  for  the  development  of 
our  owu  lands,  d'he  railroads  too,  hedn^  interi'sted  in  tlu‘  lon^  haul  of  the  settler  from 
the  I'kist  to  the  I’aeilie  C'oast,  have  doiu'  tlu'ir  ])art  in  the  development  of  the  W'est, 
the  result  of  this  heinj.j;  the  jiassinj^  hy  and  throu}.^h  iMichi^an  from  the  I'>ast  to  the 
West  and  the  ^'oin^  out  of  Michigan  to  the  W'est  of  thousands  of  good  men  who  would 
gladly  have  eome,  or  remained,  in  Michigan,  and  assisted  in  the  development  of  our 
lands,  had  Michigan’s  ojiportunitics  and  possibilities  only  been  brought  to  their 
attention. 


I..VKES  AND  RIVER  SYSTEMS. 

The  Great  Lakes. 

The  lakes  of  Miehigan  are  as  essential  to  its  individuality  as  the  ocean  and  the 
North  Sea  to  the  British  Isles.  They  are  its  highway,  its  fishing  ground  and  its  source 
of  supply  of  almost  pure  water  for  city  use.  They  equalize  the  temperature;  furnish 
a large  number  of  improved  harbors  and  sites  for  more  than  a hundred  summer  resorts. 

The  total  area  of  the  Great  Lakes  is  94,650  square  miles,  with  Lake  Superior, 
the  largest,  having  an  area  of  31,200  square  miles;  Lake  Michigan  22,450  square  miles; 
Lake  Huron  23,800  square  miles;  Lake  Erie  9,960  scpiare  miles  and  Lake  Ontario 
7,240  square  miles.  Lake  Superior  is  967  square  miles  larger  than  Lake  Victoria 
Nyanza,  of  Central  Africa,  the  next  largest  fresh  water  lake  on  the  globe.  The  water 
shed  of  the  Great  Lakes  is  nearly  twice  as  large  as  the  Great  Lakes,  or  174,800  square 
miles.  The  Great  Lakes  furnish  the  state  about  1,600  miles  of  shore  line  or  one  mile 
of  coast  to  33  square  miles  of  land  surface,  and  so  wrap  around  the  peninsula  that 
no  point  in  the  state  is  more  than  85  miles  distant  from  the  shore.  On  these  lakes 
there  are  31  government  improved  natural  harbors,  six  more  than  have  been  improved 
at  local  expense  and  more  than  100  miles  of  deep,  narrow  bays  and  150  miles  of  rivers 
and  straits,  most  of  which  are  accessible  for  wharf  and  dock  facilities.  The  harbors 
are  well  distributed  in  the  state  as  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  there  are  ninety-one  places 
where  the  different  railroads  touch  the  shore  line. 

The  Great  Lakes  furnish  IMichigan  with  the  greatest  inland  waterway  in  the 
world,  and  in  addition  to  the  numerous  fleets  of  passenger  boats  and  car  ferries  that 
ply  these  lakes,  their  surfaces  during  most  months  of  the  year  are  literally  dotted  with 
freighters  and  packet  vessels  carrying  Alichigan’s  products  not  alone  to  our  home 
markets  but  to  the  great  markets  outside  of  Alichigan  which  are  brought  within  easy 
reach  by  our  splendid  rail  and  water  transportation  facilities. 


20 


MICHIGAN 


GREAT  LAKES  FISHERIES. 

Mention  should  also  be  made  of  the  extent  of  the  great  fisheries  afforded  Miehigan 
by  the  Great  Lakes.  As  has  been  stated,  the  shore  line  of  the  state  on  the  Great 

Lakes  is  about  1,600  miles  and 
affords  the  state  a wonderful  fishing 
ground . It  is  estimated  that  there  are 
set,  all  through  the  fishing  season,  over 
2,500  pond  nets  with  a total  length 
of  500  miles;  over  8,000  miles  of  gill 
nets,  besides  a large  number  of  seines 
and  other  nets,  and  that  it  requires 
between  six  and  seven  thousand  men 
to  attend  to  these  nets.  The  annual 
eatch  is  about  50,000,000  lbs.  A large 
part  of  the  eateh  is  from  Lakes  Huron 
and  Miehigan.  The  total  value  of  the 
fish  taken  from  Miehigan  waters  is 
about  one-twentieth  that  of  the  Na- 
tional fisheries.  In  addition  to  the 
Great  Lakes,  there  are  more  than 
5,000  inland  lakes,  most  of  whieh  are  filled  with  fish,  many  of  whieh  lakes  being  highly 
desirable  for  summer  resorts. 


Fish  are  abundant  in  the  many  streams,  lakes  and  rivers 
of  Michigan. 


Thousands  of  lakes  and  rivers  are  found  in  Michigan. 


M 1 {'  II  I ('.  A N 


M 


KIVI.KS. 

'I'lu'  pi'iiiiisu'ai'  I’oi'in  of  tlu-  stall'  j^ivrs  il  an  uimsiially  larj^i;  tnimlx^r  of  slrcaiiis 
willi  ri'lati\’rly  short  roursos.  'I'licsi'  riv'rrs  ^athrr  up  the  IjrilliaiiLly  clear,  cold  waters 
of  tens  of  thousands  of  sprinj^s  and  thousands  of  lakes  and  hundreds  of  siiuaro  miles  of 
swamp  lands,  and  How  over  iji'avel  or  sand,  through  relatively  shallow,  lon^  and  narrow 
valle>'s  for  the  most  i)art  in  windinij;  courses  to  land-locked  hays  of  the  (ireat  Lakes. 
Ajiart  from  the  125  miles  of  strait-like  rivers,  Detroit,  St.  Clair  and  St.  Mary’s,  the 
state  has  only  a few  miles  of  streams  that  are  navigable  for  lake  boats,  d'he  Saginaw 
has  been  deei)oned  at  Federal  e.xpense  to  furnish  a channel  16  feet  deej)  to  Saginaw, 
d'he  (irand  has  been  improved  to  furnish  a five  foot  channel  to  ( irand  Rapids;  the 
St.  Joseph  to  furnish  a four  feet  channel  to  Berrien  Si)rings;  and  the  Kalamazoo, 
Indian  River  and  some  others  furnish  passage  for  small  steamers  between  certain 
points,  but  in  a general  way,  Michigan  rivers  are  naturally  adapted  for  serving  as  power 
streams  rather  than  for  navigation. 

THE  DAWNINCi  OF  A GREAT  WATER  POWER  ERA  IN  MICHIGAN. 

d'he  water  power  developed  -from  the  streams  of  the  state  is  about  250,000  horse 
power,  only  a small  part  of  the  power  that  might  be  developed.  The  larger  power 
streams  are  as  follows:  St.  Joseph, 

20.000  to  30,000  H.  P.;  Kalamazoo, 

7.000  to  10,000  H.  P.;  Grand  River, 

10.000  to  12,000  H.  P.;  Muskegon, 

20.000  H.  P.;  All  Sable,  30,000  to 

40.000  H.  P.;  Huron,  5,000  H.  P.; 

Thunder  Bay,  1,600  to  2,000  H.  P.; 

Alenominee,  20,000  to  30,000  H.  P.; 

St.  Alary’s  30,000  to  40,000  H.  P. 
and  the  Alanistee  upon  which  only 
about  2,000  horse  power  has  yet  been 
developed. 

The  power  in  our  streams  is 
unlike  most  other  natural  resources 
in  that  it  is  not  diminished  by  use, 
nor  is  it  conserved  by  non-use.  Coal  which  is  not  used  today  remains  to  be  used 
hereafter,  but  the  energy  of  water  which  is  allowed  to  flow  on  unused  neither  increases 
nor  conserves  the  future  supply,  but  is  lost  forever. 

THE  MICHIGAN  IDEA  OF  CONSERVATION. 

The  Alichigan  idea  of  conservation  is  that  things  are  placed  here  for  the  use  of 
man  and  when  these  things  are  used  for  the  purpose  for  which  they  are  best  fitted, 
without  waste  or  unnecessary  destruction,  all  has  been  done  that  possibly  can  be  done 
in  the  interest  of  conservation;  that  in  order  to  conserve  some  things  we  must  protect 


Waiting  to  be  harnessed. 


M 1 C H I G A N 


22 

an(]  regulate  their  use,  and  in  order  to  conserve  other  things  we  must  develop  them; 
that  there  must  be  a seed-time  and  that  there  must  be  a harvest  time,  but  that  no 
man  should  be  allowed  to  destroy  the  seed  which  is  to  produce  the  harvest  for  the 
generations  that  are  to  follow. 

If  the  Alichigan  idea  of  conservation  is  adhered  to,  it  is  not  alone  possible  Vjut 
altogether  ])robable  that  the  present  generation  will  see  the  day  when  many  thousand 
more  horse  ])ower  has  been  properly  developed  from  the  streams  of  Michigan;  when 
the  use  of  electricity  for  farm  purposes  will  be  as  common  as  the  use  of  the  telephone 
today;  when  every  four  corners  or  crossroads  will  be  illuminated  at  night;  when  the 
incandescent  light  will  take  the  place  of  the  kerosene  lamp  in  the  house  of  the  farmer; 


The  harnessed  streams  of  Michigan  are  furnishing  light  for  the  farmers’  homes  and  power  for  all  his  needs. 


when  the  cares  of  the  housewife  will  be  lightened  by  electrically  driven  washing 
machines,  churns,  milk  separators,  etc.,  and  when  electrically  driven  machines  will 
grind  the  grains  of  the  farm,  cut  the  ensilage  for  the  silo,  pump  water  for  the  horses 
and  cattle,  and  in  other  ways  lighten  the  heavy  toil  of  the  farmer  by  replacing  in  part 
farm  labor  which  has  grown  so  difficult  to  procure. 

Electricity  produced  by  water  power  not  only  is  the  cheapest  power,  but  the 
fact  that  it  can  be  carried  over  wires  from  point  to  point  to  an  almost  unlimited  distance, 
is  a very  great  factor  in  the  building  up  of  cities  and  towns  lying  within  a reasonable 
distance  and  is  one  of  the  strongest  arguments  in  favor  of  its  use.  The  development 
of  Michigan  has  to  a great  extent  been  brought  about  through  the  building  up  of  its 


M I ('  II  I C.  A N 


The  water  power  at  play. 


The  water  power  at  work. 


2-\ 


M 1 C 11  I (1  A N 


industrial  enterprises,  d'he  harnessing  of  its  water  power  and  the  promotion  of  its 
legitimate  enter])rises,  as  well  as  in  the  settlement  of  its  agricultural  lands,  the 
securing  of  settlers  and  the  dcvelo])mcnt  of  its  farming  industries,  are  all  important 
factors  in  the  ])rogress  of  the  commonwealth.  All  arc  absolutely  necessary  and  must 
go  hand  in  hand  to  secure  results  which  the  peo])le  of  the  state  most  desire,  d'he 
l)roper  development  of  our  water  power  means  cheaper  ])ower,  and  that  means  more 
fact(jries.  d'his  in  turn  means  larger  cities,  towns  and  villages,  which  furnish  and 
enlarge  the  home  markets  for  the  farmer. 


ATTRACTIVE  SUMMER  RESORTS. 

Aiichigan  in  the  summer  time  is  just  one  h)ig  resort.  It  is  literally  the  play-ground 
of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  people.  From  all  parts  of  the  Middle  West  and  South 
they  flock  to  the  lovely  spots  with  which  this  enchanted  summer  land  is  filled.  The 
('.reat  Lakes  furnish  sites  for  more  than  a hundred  summer  resorts,  which  together 


A summer  cottage. 

with  many  of  the  more  than  5,000  inland  lakes  are  known  far  and  wide  as  beautiful 
summer  resorts.  Hundreds  of  Michigan’s  inland  lakes  are  occupied  by  cottages 
of  the  summer  resorters  who  go  to  them  for  rest  and  recreation. 

In  this  way,  Michigan’s  lakes  are  one  of  her  most  valuable  resources.  Some  of 
them  are  the  haunts  of  a few  fishermen  only,  while  many  of  the  larger  resorts,  such 
as  IMackinac  Island,  Grand  Island,  Lake  Gogebic,  Petoskey,  Charlevoix,  Bay  View, 
Macatawa,  and  St.  Clair  Flats,  Tawas  Beach,  Higgins  Lake  and  Alullet  Lake,  and 


M I ('  II  I A N 


iiuumu'i'al lit'  odn'r  I'l'Soiis,  alliat'l  llic  wealth  n|  the  eilies.  Million:-;  ol  (lollai'.s 
tS5,(lhh,tH)0  it  is  t'stiiuated)  ai't'  left  in  the  state  aimually  hy  |)lea;.iire  seekers.  'I'lie 
iiilaml  lakt's;  tlu'  shores  of  the  ( ii'eat  Lakes;  tiont  ^;l  reams;  mineral  sprinj.'s;  aiul 
wotHlIaiul,  toet'tlu'r,  form  a ”1  atti'aetions  to  the  I'esl  .'iiul  pleasure  seeker  not 

tti  1k'  t'xi't'llt'tl  b\'  any  other  state  and  at.  the  same  time  furnish  a home  itiarkel  of  no 
small  \aUu'  for  tlu'  proilnets  of  tlu'  surrounding  harms. 


Good  trout  fishing  is  found  in  most  of  the  streams  in  Michigan. 


26 


M I C II  I (i  A N 


The  opportunities  for  recreation  in  Michigan  are  many  and  varied. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


sl>|  I'.NDII)  MAKKI'/ls. 

'Po  tlu'  faniu'r  aiul  tlu*  lioini'Sfckcr  tlu*  (nu'stioii  of  inai’kcls  foi-  llic  proHticL . of 
his  lu'kls  is  i>f  as  imu'h  iiu])orlaiK'('  to  him  as  to  the  mamifact ui'cr.  hi  fact,  the 
iiuostioii  of  markets  is  of  first  im])ortanc('.  It  is  not  cnouj,'h  that  the  soil  is  richly 
jiroduct i\-c,  hut  it  is  lU'ccssary  that  the*  croji  can  he  sold  in  a j^axxl  market  and  the 
marki't  must  he  t'lose  at  hand,  for,  with  a lar^c'  numher  of  the  hest  jiayinj^  crojis, 
fresluu'ss,  through  early  ilelivc'ry  of  the  produc't  to  the  consumer,  is  a mattc-r  ()i 
im])ortauee  in  iletermininy  the  prices.  .Michijj;an  is  jiarticularly  well  situated  to  meet 
the  demands  for  the  hest  markets,  since  she  not  only  has  a great  home  market  but 
is  favorably  located,  being  very  near  the  center  of  ])0])ulation  for  the  entire  country. 
It  can  he  truthfully  said  that  ’\liehigan  is,  as  it  were,  at  the  very  baek  door  of  a 
consuming  poiiulation  of  about  at), ()()(), ()()()  ])eo])le.  The  rajiid  increase  of  the  urfian 
population,  devoted  to  the  manufacturing  interest,  furnish  a ready  home  market. 
Statistics  show  that  of  the  total  ])opulation  of  the  State  of  nearly  3, 000, 000  people, 
nearly  one-half  live  in  the  cities  and  towns,  therefore  the  large  cities  and  manufacturing 
towns  hold  a great  portion  of  the  people  of  the  State,  who  are,  therefore,  consumers 
and  must  be  fed  from  the  products 
of  Michigan’s  farms.  But  while  the 
Michigan  farmer  has  a splendid  home 
market  for  his  products,  yet  the  great 
markets  of  the  State  are,  as  it  were, 
our  next  door  neighbors.  By  day 
and  by  night  innumerable  steamships 
ply  the  Great  Lakes,  taking  from  our 
ports  to  Chicago,  Milwaukee,  Racine, 

Marinette,  Greenbay,  Manitowoc,  She- 
boygan, Duluth  and  other  of  our 
neighboring  cities  on  the  West,  Alich- 
igan’s  products,  while  the  numerous 
railroads  not  only  enter  the  lake  ports 
of  Wisconsin,  Illinois  and  Minnesota, 
but  the  interior  points  of  these  states  as  well.  Thus  bringing  within  easy  reach  such 
markets  as  Minneapolis,  St.  Paul,  Kansas  City,  Omaha  and  St.  Louis  and  other  large 
cities  of  the  central  West.  On  the  South  the  markets  of  Indiana  and  Ohio  are  but  a 
few  hours  distance.  Indianapolis,  Cleveland  and  Toledo  are  ready  customers  for 
Michigan  food  supplies.  Toledo,  Cleveland  and  Detroit  are,  so  far  as  Michigan  is 
concerned,  great  distributing  centers  to  the  interior  of  Ohio  and  Canada.  Buffalo 
too,  is  within  easy  reach  and  should  be  a choice  market  not  alone  in  itself,  but  as  a 
distributing  center  for  all  of  southwestern  New  York,  and  even  New  York  City  is 
only  a few  hours  distant. 


2S 


M I C II  I (x  A N 


EXCELLENT  RAIL  AND  WATER  TRANSPORTATION  FACILITIES. 

The  commercial  and  industrial  progress  of  a country  is  bound  up  with  its 
transportation  facilities.  Just  in  proportion  as  the  nation,  state,  city  or  community 
increases  its  transportation  facilities  for  the  quick  and  convenient  carriage  of  people 
and  commodities  from  one  section  to  another,  so  will  its  material  prosperity  and 
happiness  increase.  It  is  the  railroad,  steamboat  lines  and  wagon  roads  which  has 
enabled  and  is  enabling  some  of  the  most  fertile  sections  of  the  country  to  develop 
their  latent  possibilities. 


Carferries  make  through  car  load  shipments  an  attractive  propiosition. 


M I ( ' 1 1 I ( '.  A N 


It  ni.'itU'rs  in»t  how  prodiu’t ivo  llu'  I'arm  or  liovv  the  market  unless  there 

is  supplii'd  tlu'  uoniu'('t iii^t  link,  transijortation.  It  would,  therelore,  seem  that,  iti 
llu'  di'xa'lopuu'ut  of  auy  romuumity,  tlu*  product iv(MU'SS  ol  the  soil,  the  markets  and 
transportation  fai'ilities  ari'  so  dc'peiuU'ut  upon  ('aeh  otlier  that  they  are  .almost 
iuseparabli'  and  although  something  has  .alrcaady  hcaai  said  in  this  public, ation  witfi 
n'ferc'uee  to  Michigan’s  splendid  transportation  facilities,  there  is  still  nK)re  to  be  s.aifl. 

\\  ATi-:u  tuansi’oui'A'hon. 

Michigan  has  a shoreline  of  over  1,600  miles  on  the  greatest  inland  waterway  in 
the  world  and  the  more  than  50  Michigan  ])orts  on  this  great  water  highway  arc  served 
by  innumerable  steamshi])  lines,  that  afford  imcciualed  water  communication,  not 
alone  between  Michigan  ])orts  but  with  the  i)orts  of  several  neighboring  states  and 


felifiiLt 


iimi  pi 


Freighter  leaving  Soo  Locks. 


Canada  as  well.  That  the  extent  of  the  Great  Lakes  traffic  may  be  more  readily 
appreciated,  reference  might  be  made  to  the  annual  tonnage  passing  through  the 
Soo  Locks  of  the  St.  Mary’s  River,  connecting  Lake  Superior  with  Lake  Michigan, 
and  Lake  Huron.  It  is  said  that  the  annual  tonnage  is  2 1-2  times  greater  than  that 
which  passes  through  the  Suez  Canal  and  seven  times  greater  than  that  which  passes 
through  the  Kiel  Ship  Canal.  It  is  said  that  about  70%  of  the  freight  carried  on  the 
Great  Lakes  annually  passes  through  the  Soo  Locks,  and  that  in  1910  this  amounted 
to  62,363,000  tons.  A lake  freighter,  with  a capacity  of  13,000  tons,  such  as  can  pass 
through  these  Locks,  can  carry  a load  that  would  fill  eight  trains  of  50  cars  each, 


MICH  IGA  X 


M) 


allowing  30  tons  to  the  car.  To  carry  62, 000, ()()()  tons  a year  past  the  Soo  would 
retiuire  2,000,000  cars  and  it  would  take  something  over  a month  for  such  a train 
to  ])ass  a given  ]:)oint. 

Com])are  the  rates  which  the  Michigan  producer  enjoys,  in  the  proximity  to  the 
great  markets,  with  the  necessarily  higher  rates  of  the  all-rail  shipments  of  the  West. 
The  difference  represents  a good  profit  to  the  Michigan  farmer  and  the  manufacturer. 
These  advantages  of  both  rail  and  water  transportation  will  always  be  one  of  Michigan’s 
most  valuable  assets. 


STEAM  AND  ELECTRIC  RAILWAYS. 

In  the  matter  of  railroad  transportation,  Michigan  also  is  well  in  the  fore  ranks. 
The  railroad  facilities  have  been  developed  so  that  the  State  ranks  Sixth  among  all 
others  in  the  total  miles  of  trackage.  From  information  furnished  by  the  office  of 
the  hlichigan  Railroad  Commission,  there  is  shown  to  be  48  steam-roads,  with  a total 
mileage,  on  the  single-track  basis,  of  more  than  9,000  miles:  twelve  of  these  could  be 
classified  as  trunk  railroad  lines,  reaching  the  larger  consuming  centers.  Supplementing 
these  are  36  smaller  lines,  each  .serving  a territory;  not  to  mention  several  small  private 
lines  which  are  not  common  carriers.  Of  the  larger  trunk  lines  of  the  State  one  has 
a mileage  of  over  1,800  miles — the  next  greatest  mileage  is  one  of  nearly  1,300  miles 
and  another  about  850;  one  of  a little  over  600  and  two  of  over  500  miles.  The  number 
of  miles  of  trackage  for  electric  lines  in  1913,  is  given  as  1,116.38  miles,  of  which  1,077.24 
miles  is  the  trackage  of  the  20  interurban  lines,  exclusive  of  all  city  trackage.  There 
are  several  interurban  lines  in  the  course  of  construction.  The  electric  interurban 
lines  running  through  the  rural  communities  as  they  do,  has  been  a boom  to  the  farmer 
and  a factor  of  no  small  proportion,  in  the  development  of  many  farming  communities. 
The  State  has  also  over  70,000  miles  of  common  highways,  of  which  only  brief  mention 
has  been  made,  as  the  matter  cf  highways  is  covered  in  another  chapter  by  the  State 
Highway  Commissioner. 


DESIRABLE  SOCIAL  CONDITIONS. 

Modern  invention  and  progress  have  done  much  to  bring  the  rural  communities 
in  touch  with  all  the  refining  influences  of  our  latter  day  civilization.  The  telephone 
and  dail}^  newspapers  (the  latter  made  possible  by  the  Rural  Free  Delivery  service) 
have  broken  down  the  barrier  of  distance,  which  but  a few  years  ago  presented  a 
seemingly  insurmountable  obstacle,  and  have  brought  the  Michigan  farmer  closer 
to  his  neighbor;  to  the  big  city;  and  to  the  great  outside  world  in  general.  With  a 
literal  net-work  of  wires,  consisting  of  more  than  51,000  miles  of  telephone  lines 
penetrating  practically  every  spot  in  the  state,  to  say  nothing  of  over  7,500  miles  of 
telegraph  lines,  no  community  in  the  state  need  be  without  communication  with 
the  outside  world. 

The  Rural  Free  Delivery  of  mails  is  in  operation  in  every  one  of  the  eighty-three 
counties  of  the  state  except  seven,  and  as  fast  as  new  routes  are  deemed  necessary 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A ,\ 


.n 


tho\’  i'sl;il>lishr(l.  I'i^ui’cs  old  aim'd 
from  tlu'  I'ostolVu'r  1 )i'|)ai't  im'iit  at 
Washiii^lon,  1).  (I'l'liruai'x',  I'M  I) 
show  (hat  llu'ia'  ai\'  2,(*h)  individual 
rural  routos.iu  opuration  iu  the  stal(', 
of  a total  loni^th  of  o\Tr  5d,tldll  mill's. 

'riu'  records  of  the  Postolliee  Hepart- 
ment  do  not  sliow  tlu'  length  of 
routes  by  counties  but  it  is  estimated 
that  these  routes  serve  about  225, bdt) 
families.  I’nder  these  conditions  it 
is  not  necessary  for  the  Michigan  farmer  to  journey  miles  and  wait  days  to  find  out 
what  his  neighbors  are  doing;  what  the  conditions  of  the  market  are;  or  what  the 
general  agricultural  outlook  is  in  the  country  at  large,  for  through  the  rural  mail  service 
he  has  his  daily  ]\apers  with  the  market  quotations  very  nearly  as  soon  as  his  city 
neighbors,  and  if  necessary  he  can  step  to  his  telephone  the  same  as  the  business  man 
of  the  city  and  get  in  touch  with  the  buyers  of  his  own  community  and  also  those 
who  would  be  beyond  his  reach  except  for  the  telephone. 

The  automobile,  too,  has  become  a great  factor  in  bringing  the  farmer  in  closer 
touch  with  his  fellow  man,  both  in  his  own  community  and  in  the  nearby  cities.  The 
number  of  farmers  now  owning  auto- 
mobiles, as  compared  with  a few  years 
ago,  is  surprising.  It  is  not  at  all 
uncommon  to  see  a farmer  of  today 
making  use  of  an  auto-truck  for  the 
transportation  of  his  products,  or  with 
his  family  making  a week  end  auto- 
mobile trip  for  rest  and  recreation. 

Therefore,  with  these  and  many  other 
conveniences  that  it  is  now  possible 
for  the  farmer  to  have,  together  with 
the  educational  and  social  advantages 
to  be  obtained  through  the  various 
farmers’  organizations,  such  as  the 
Grange,  the  Gleaners,  the  Farmers’ 

Clubs,  etc.,  it  can  safely  be  said  that  in  most  instances  the  Michigan  farmer  today 
is  to  be  envied  by  his  city  neighbors,  because  it  is  now  possible  for  him  to  get  a share 
of  the  conveniences  afforded  by  the  city  and  at  the  same  t me  he  has  all  the  joys  and 
pleasures  afforded  by  country  life  that  cannot  be  obtained  by  the  man  living  in  the  city, 

CHURCHES  OF  ALL  DENOMINATIONS. 

The  country,  the  state,  the  county,  or  the  community,  can  have  no  better 
recommendation  than  that  it  is  well  supplied  with  churches.  Michigan  is  a Christian 


Rurul  mail  route. 


32  MICHIGAN 


state  and  its  ])Cople  are  ehristian  people  in  the  broad  sense,  and  within  the  state  will 
be  found  ehristian  ehurehes  of  praetically  all  denominations.  While  most  of  the 
cities  of  the  state  have  churches  representing  many  denominations,  the  smaller  towns 
and  country  cross  roads  too  afford  churches  where  the  people  can  gather  to  worhsip 
Clod  according  to  the  dictates  of  their  own  conscience,  thus  fostering  and  perpetuating 
the  privilege  of  religious  freedom  cherished  by  the  American  people  since  the  landing 
of  the  Pilgrims. 


A rural  landscape;  Lake  in  the  distance. 


MICHIGAN  HAS  NO  RACE  PROBLEM. 

Michigan  has  no  race  problem  to  face,  such  as  confronts  some  states  of  the  country 
in  a serious  way.  Of  the  total  population  of  the  state,  99.1%,  or  2,785,247,  are  whites. 
Of  the  total  white  population,  1,224,841,  or  43.6%,  are  native  born  whites  and  of 
native  parentage,  while  964,882,  or  34.3%,  are  native  whites  of  foreign  or  mixed 
parentage.  The  population  of  the  rural  districts  of  the  state  show  a greater  percentage 
of  native  whites  than  its  urban,  or  city,  population.  Of  the  whites  of  the  rural  districts, 
50.8%  are  natural  born  whites,  and  of  the  urban,  or  city,  population,  35.5%  are  native 
born  whites  of  native  parentage.  The  negroes  of  the  state  constitute  only  .6%  of 
the  total  population,  while  the  Indian  constitutes  .3%,  and  the  census  of  1910  shows 
that  the  number  of  Chinese  and  Japanese  are  still  less.  The  foreign  born  whites 
adjust  themselves  to  American  conditions  speedily  and  satisfactorily,  and  the 
generation  emanating  from  the  northern  European  immigrants,  when  educated  in 
American  schools,  have  developed  into  a splendid  type  of  citizens,  characterized  by 
their  honesty,  industry  and  religious  tendencies.  The  foreign  countries  which  have 
contributed  the  largest  number  of  foreign  born  whites  to  Michigan’s  population,  as 
shown  by  the  last  U.  S.  census,  are  as  follows;  Canada,  28.7%;  Germany,  22.1%; 
England,  7.2%;  Russia,  6.4%;  Holland,  5.6%;  Finland,  5.2%;  Austria,  5.2%;  Sweden, 
4.4%;  Ireland,  3.4%;  Italy,  2.8%;  all  other  countries,  9%. 


ICDUC'A'I'ION  IN  MK'IIK'.AN. 


nV  KKI';i)  1..  KICICI.ICK, 

Stale  Supt.  of  Public  luslniclion. 

In  a comparative  study  of  tlic  forly-eijijhl  states  by  the  Russell  Sage  F(;undati(jn, 
IMiehigau,  considered  from  the  various  educational  standf)oints,  is  accorded  a [)lace 
abt)ve  the  average,  d'he  educational  conditions  arc  such  as  to  be  worthy  of 
considerable  pride  to  the  citizens,  d'here  is  no  other  i)ublic  interest  in  the  state  to 
be  comjKired  to  that  of  the  ])ublic  schools.  President  Kmeritus  Angell  of  the  University 
of  Michigan  declares  that  the  j^eople  of  Michigan  have  a “veritable  passion  for 
education.” 

From  the  very  beginning  of  our  state  life  public  education  has  been  recognized 
as  a state  function.  The  Ordinance  of  1787  set  forth  the  principle,  “Religion,  morality 
and  knowledge  being  necessary  to  good  government  and  the  happiness  of  mankind, 
schools  and  the  means  of  education  shall  forever  be  encouraged.”  From  this  principle 
there  has  never  been  any  deviation.  Each  successive  constitution  has  confirmed  it. 
The  provisions  have  been  worked  out  by  educational  laws.  No  state  has  better 
provided  for  her  children  in  the  matter  of  school  funds.  The  primary  school  fund, 
provided  for  in  the  early  history  of  the  territory,  has  been  kept  intact  for  educational 
purposes.  This  fund  yields  an  income  annually  of  over  five  million  dollars  or  about 
seven  dollars  per  child;  in  other  words,  a per  capita  apportionment  of  about  seven 
dollars  is  distributed  annually  to  school  districts. 

There  are  over  578,000  boys  and  girls  enrolled  in  the  schools  of  Michigan;  the 
total  expenditures  for  the  past  year  amounted  to  more  than  $16,000,000  or  about 
$29  per  child,  the  increased  per  capita  cost  during  the  last  decade  being  $13. 

Other  following  changes  during  that  period  may  be  noted:  The  attendance 
has  increased  ten  per  cent.  The  number  of  pupils  in  the  eighth  grade,  exclusive  of 
graded  schools,  has  increased  fifty  per  cent,  and  the  number  of  eighth  grade  diplomas 
granted  has  doubled.  The  number  of  teachers  has  increased  thirty  per  cent  and  the 
salaries  have  doubled.  The  estimated  value  of  school  property  in  ungraded  and 
graded  districts  is  over  $40,000,000  or  nearly  double  the  valuation  of  ten  years  ago. 
The  average  cost  of  the  schoolhouses  built  last  year  was  $23,000;  that  of  ten  years 
ago  was  $4,000.  There  are  1,500  more  school  libraries  containing  about  800,000  more 
volumes  with  $110,000  added  to  their  support. 

Michigan  is  justly  proud  of  her  University,  normal  school  system,  technical 
institutions  and  colleges.  The  city  school  systems  are  second  to  none.  The  tendency 
is  toward  a school  system  which  shall  exist  for  the  majority.  Both  grade  and  high 
schools  are  tending  toward  more  practical  training.  In  no  department  has  there  been 
greater  recent  improvement  than  in  rural  education.  A county  normal  system  was 
established  by  law  in  1903,  the  sole  purpose  of  which  is  the  training  of  teachers  for 
t 


34  MICHIGAN 

the  rural  schools.  'I'hcre  are  this  year  training  classes  in  forty-five  counties  in  the 
state.  More  than  5, ()()()  teachers  have  been  graduated  from  these  elasses  and  today 
nearly  fifty  i)er  cent  of  the  rural  teachers  of  the  state  have  had  some  normal  training. 

A system  of  Standard  vSchools  has  this  year  been  established,  the  object  of  which 
is  to  assist  in  the  improvement  of  the  one-room  rural  sehool.  Requirements 
eoncerning  buiklings,  grounds,  equipment,  organization  and  teachers  have  been  fixed. 
A school  meeting  these  requirements  is  awarded  a diploma  and  designated  a Standard 
School.  The  Michigan  Schoolhouse,  a type  of  a one-room  building,  is  recommended 
by  the  State  Superintendent.  With  the  advocated  establishment  of  a farger 
administrative  unit,  the  Michigan  rural  school  system  will  be  unexcelled. 


University  of  Michigan,  Ann  Arbor. 


The  State  University  is  located  at  the  city  of  Ann  Arbor,  Washtenaw  county. 
Its  present  organization  dates  from  1837,  although  several  acts  were  passed  prior 
to  that  year  for  the  establishment  of  a University.  It  eomprises  the  Department  of 
Literature,  Seience  and  the  Arts,  the  Department  of  Engineering,  the  Department 
of  Medicine  and  Surgery,  the  Department  of  Law,  the  School  of  Pharmacy,  the 
Homeopathic  Medical  College,  the  College  of  Dental  Surgery  and  the  Graduate 
Department.  Its  government  is  vested  in  a board  of  regents  eleeted  by  the  people 
for  a term  of  eight  years.  The  present  valuation  of  its  property  is  $4,672,717.61. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


'Phi' Sl;itr  .\j;i'ii'ult  ui'iil  is  silu.'itcd  i»ii  ;i  l.'ii'iii  i»t'0<St  .'icrc.  ;i,l,  I0;i  I, 

tlu'oo  mill's  I'sst  of  lilt'  t'ily  of  Lansin^y  Ingham  t'ouiify.  1 1,  wa:;  cs.laltlialictl  in  1X.S.S 
anti  its  lii’st  I'ost  was  It  is  dt'sijMU'd  lo  alfoi'd  Ihorttuyli  in  .lnictj’on  in 

as^i'it'ull m\',  fort'sh'v,  x’t'U'rinary  st'ii'iK'o,  honu'  ('t'ononiics  and  mccliaiiic  arts,  anti 
till'  natural  si'ii'iii'i's  I'onni'cti'd  tlu'ri'vviUi.  'Plic  t'onl.rol  of  flit'  instilutitai  is  vcsLctI 
in  till'  vStati'  Ifoanl  of  Ai^rii'iilt nri',  llin  nu'inlx'rs  of  which  arc  t'li'cfcd  from  the  st-atc 
at  lary;c  for  a term  of  six  years. 


Agricultural  building,  Michigan  Agricultural  College,  East  Lansing. 


The  Michigan  College  of  Alines  is  a State  Institution,  located  at  Houghton.  The 
object  of  the  college  is  to  educate  men  to  assist  in  the  development  of  the  mineral 
wealth  of  the  country,  in  which  work  it  has  been  eminently  successful.  It  was  opened 
for  students  first  in  1886,  and  since  1890  it  has  been  one  of  the  largest  and  most  prom- 
inent mining  schools  in  the  country,  its  graduates  holding  prominent  positions.  It 
is  situated  among  active  mines,  mills  and  smelters,  to  all  of  which  it  has  access  for 
the  training  of  its  students,  and  of  such  facilities  it  makes  constant  use.  The  course 
of  study  is  eminently  practical.  For  this  reason  many  mature  men  come  to  it  for  in- 
struction. It  has  ten  large  and  well  equipped  buildings  for  use  in  its  technical  work. 
The  College  of  Alines  is  under  charge  of  a Board  of  Control  consisting  of  six  members 
appointed  by  the  Governor.  Each  of  the  present  members  of  the  Board  is  prominent 
in  the  mining  industry  of  the  State.  Its  courses  of  instruction  cover  mathematics. 


MICHIGAN 


36 


Michigan  College  of  Mines,  Houghton 


State  Ncrmal  College,  Ypsilanti 


M I ('  II  I C.  A N 


<7 


])hysii's,  I'luMiiist  I'y , assa\'itij;,  mrtalliii’j^y,  di’aft  civil,  miiiiii)^,  iiiccliaiiical  aiul 
cU'i'trical  cni;iiici'i‘iiij^,  hydi’aulii'S,  ofc  di'cssinj^,  miiicralf )j^y,  pet  ro^^rapliy, 

'The  Stale  Nci'inal  loeati'd  .at  \’psilaiit,i,  Washtenaw  eoiinty,  w.as  esLale 

lislu'd  in  I.S-hh  Its  lirst  c'osL  was  $25. 000,  and  tlu>  preseni  v.alu.ation  of  t,he  j)roperfy 
$550,000.  'I'he  school  is  undc'r  llu'  e()ntrol  of  the  State  I'oard  of  ICducalion,  Ifie 
nuanhi't's  of  whii'Ii  .ai\'  idccti'd  by  the  pt'ople  for  ;i  term  of  six  years. 

Its  .sole  purj)ose  is  to  furnish  competent  teachers  for  the  several  grades  of  the 
state’s  public  schools.  Its  enrollment  is  made  up  ehietly  (jf  hi^h  school  }.(raduates, 
and  numbers  annually  sixteen  hundred  in  Collcj^iatc  l)e])artment.  l''or  several  years 
the  j;radnating  cla.ss  has  averaged  about  700,  three-fourths  of  whom  have  taken  the 
life  eertitieale  cour.se.  'Feachers  are  prepared  to  do  critic  and  supervisory  work  in 
the  i^rades,  for  S])ecial  dci)artmcnts  in  high  and  normal  schools  and  for  college  teaching, 
d'he  pre.sent  faculty  numbers  eighty-eight. 


Central  Michigan  Normal  School,  Mt.  Pleasant. 


The  Central  Michigan  Normal  School,  in  charge  of  the  State  Board  of  Education, 
was  started  by  private  enterprise  and  is  located  in  the  city  of  Mount  Pleasant,  Isabella 
county,  and  consists  of  a commodious  building  capable  of  accommodating  700 
students.  In  1901,  a new  training  school  building  and  a large  addition  to  the 
original  building  were  erected.  The  Legislature  of  1905  appropriated  $25,000.00 
for  a central  heating  and  lighting  plant.  This  plant  is  in  operation  and  has  a 
capacity^ sufficient  to  heat  and  light  the  present  buildings  and  any  building  that  may 


MICHIGAN 


siibsc([ucntly  l)e  erected  on  the  campus.  In  1907  the  Legislature  appropriated 
$50, ()()(). 00  for  a ])]iysical  training  building  which  was  completed  in  1908.  The 
buildings  are  situated  on  a campus  of  20  acres  of  ground.  The  school  was  adopted 
by  the  state  June  3>,  1895,  and  was  opened  as  a state  school  the  following  September. 
Value  of  grounds,  buildings,  library,  apparatus,  etc.,  $v500,000.00. 


Western  State  Normal  School,  Kalamazoo. 


The  Western  State  Normal  School,  in  charge  of  the  State  Board  of  Education, 
is  located  at  Kalamazoo.  The  school  was  opened  in  1904.  The  campus  consists 
of  tw^enty  acres  and  the  buildings  are  complete  and  up  to  date.  Number  of  instructors, 
50;  number  of  students  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1913,  1,450;  value  of  grounds, 
building,  library,  etc.,  $293,000.00. 

The  Northern  State  Normal  School  is  located  at  Marquette,  Michigan.  The 
site  is  beautiful,  overlooking  Lake  Superior.  The  campus  consists  of  twenty  acres, 
part  of  which  has  been  laid  out  in  beautiful  grounds  and  part  of  which  has  been  left 
in  its  natural  state.  The  buildings  are  new,  constructed  of  Marquette  sandstone, 
complete  and  well  equipped.  Departments:  drawing,  English,  expression,  geography, 
German  and  French,  Latin,  history,  kindergarten,  mathematics,  music,  natural 
science,  physical  science,  physical  training,  psychology  and  education,  sociology, 
domestic  art  and  science,  training  school  department.  The  school  was  established 
by  Act  No.  51  of  the  Public  Acts  of  1899.  The  number  of  instructors  during  the 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


year  l‘Ml-l‘M'2  was  2*);  tln'  mimlx'r  ol  sliideiits  (■iir()ll('(I  MO,  and  tlic  iitimhcr  of 
i;raduali'S  for  that  yi'.ar  110.  Aiimial  tuition  per  student,  is  $15.00;  avera>.^e  cost  of 
board  per  wi'ek,  $-1.00 ; valiu'  of  j-p'ornuls,  l)uildinj.is,  library,  apparatus,  etc.,  $21  1,575.00. 
'Pile  Li'^islaturi'  of  101  1 ajipropriatc'd  $1  10,000.00  for  eurn'ut  expenses  for  the  biennial 
period. 


Northern  State  Normal  School,  Marquette. 


40 


MICHIGAN 


michic;an’s  rural  highways. 

BY  FRANK  F.  ROGERS, 

State  Highway  Commissioner. 

Lord  Bacon  has  said:  “There  be  three  things  which  make  a nation  great  and 
prosperous,  a fertile  soil,  busy  work  shops,  and  easy  conveyance  for  man  and  goods 

from  place  to  place. 

If  these  conditions  are  necessary  to 
make  a nation  prosperous,  they  are 
equally  necessary  to  the  prosperity  of 
a State,  and  Michigan  will  not  suffer 
by  comparison  with  other  states  in 
these  respects. 

This  State  is  credited  with  a land 
area  of  about  57,000  square  miles  or 
to  be  more  exact  36,370,779.62  acres. 
In  1910  it  had  206,960  farms  aggregating 
18,940,614  acres  which  cover  51%  or  a 
little  more  than  one-half,  of  the  area 
of  Michigan.  Of  this  farm  land  12,832,078  acres,  or  a little  more  than  two-thirds  of  the 
whole,  are  represented  as  cleared  and  more  or  less  under  cultivation.  These  farms 
are  equipped  with  machinery  and  stock  making  a total  value,  according  to  the  U.  S. 
census  of  1910,  of  $1,088,858,379  which  is  nearly  equal  to  one-half  of  the  present 
equalized  valuation  of  the  State. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  Michigan  are:  1,620  miles  of  coast  line  on  the 
Great  Lakes;  about  10,000  miles  of  steam  and  interurban  electric  roads  and  approxi- 
mately 70,000  miles  of  public  wagon  roads  outside  of  the  corporate  limits  of  cities 
and  villages.  This  equals  1.23  miles  of  highway  for  each  square  mile  of  land  area 
and  one  mile  of  highway  for  each  40  persons,  according  to  the  U.  S.  census  of  1910. 

At  the  present  time  the  highways  of  Michigan  are  improved  by  taxes  raised  from 
three  sources: 

1st.  A tax  levied  over  the  assessable  property  of  each  organized  township  of 
the  State; 

2d.  By  a County  road  tax,  in  those  counties  which  have  adopted  the  County  Road 
System,  which  is  levied  over  the  entire  taxable  property  of  the  County.  This 
includes  cities,  incorporated  villages,  farms  and  personal  property.  Fifty-four  of  the  83 
counties  of  Michigan  at  this  time  (March,  1914)  have  adopted  and  are  now  working 
under  the  County  Road  System; 

3d.  By  State  taxes,  through  direct  appropriations  by  the  legislature,  for  the 


An  improved  Michigan  highway. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


41 


purpose  of  payiuj^  state  rc'wards  and  othei’vvise  aiding  in  tlie  huildiiij'  of  road:,  and 
brid.yi'S  iu  the  State. 

It  is  probable  tliat  fully  ‘^5  per  eeiit  ol  these  I'oads  are  still  of  earth,  but  Michij^an 
is  uow  rapidly  building  luori'  substaiit i.al  roads  on  whieh  State  bounties  Jiro  |)aid. 
'I'hese  bountii'S,  or  rc'wards  as 
the\'  are  ealliHl,  l\)r  the  or- 
dinary road  where  the  metal 
track  is  made  d ft.  wide  rauf^e 
friau  $250  to  $1, ()()()  i)er  mile, 
according'  to  the  class  of  road 
built.  Each  of  these  classes 
of  road  may  receive  a 10  ])er 
cent  additional  bonus  for  each 
added  foot  in  width  of  metal 
track  between  9 ft.  and  16  ft. 

Thus  the  gravel  road  which 
draws  a reward  of  $500  a 
mile  for  a 9 ft.  width  of 
gravel  track  will  draw  $850 
a mile  when  the  gravel  is  put  on  16  ft.  wide  and  pro  rata  for  intermediate  widths. 
In  the  same  manner  the  rewards  on  roads  built  of  macadam,  concrete  and  brick  are 
from  $1,000  to  $1,700  a mile. 

The  last  legislature  established  a Trunk  Line  Highway  System  for  Michigan 
comprising  some  3,000  miles  of  main  highways  which  are  defined  in  a general  way 
by  naming  the  cities  and  towns  along  the  routes.  The  exact  location  of  these 
highways  between  the  towns  was  left  to  the  State  Highway  Commissioner  and  local 
authorities  to  determine.  On  the  Trunk  Line  Highways  the  State  reward  is  twice 
as  much  as  on  the  ordinary  highways  and  in  addition  the  State  builds  all  bridges  on 
which  the  spans  are  greater  than  30  ft.  and  makes  surveys,  plans  and  specifications 
for  both  the  roads  and  bridges.  At  the  present  writing  the  State  has  paid  rewards 
on  2,363  miles  of  road  43  miles  of  which  are  on  the  Trunk  Line.  Two  Trunk  Line 
bridges  have  been  completed,  one  in  Marquette  County  and  one  in  Wayne  County 
and  bids  will  be  received  on  April  1st,  1914,  for  eleven  more  Trunk  Line  bridges. 

While  these  State  rewarded  roads  are  but  a small  part  of  the  total  mileage  of 
Michigan,  they  are  scattered  over  73  counties  and  reach  into  639  townships,  which 
means  that  more  than  one-half  of  the  townships  in  Michigan  have  a mile  or  more 
of  these  improved  roads.  The  State  reward  is  available  to  both  townships  and 
counties,  and  the  rapidity  with  which  these  roads  are  being  built  will  be  realized  when 
it  is  known  that  more  than  enough  of  these  roads  were  built  in  1913  to  make  two 
continuous  lines  reaching  from  the  Ohio  line  to  the  Straits  of  Alackinac. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  while  Michigan  has  facilities  for  transportation  by  water 
greater  than  that  of  any  other  State  and  has  facilities  for  transportation  by  rail  equal 
to  most  other  States  of  its  size  and  population,  it  is  also  making  rapid  strides  in  the 


improvement  of  its  rural  highways.  In  1913  more  than  six  and  three-quarter  millions 
of  dollars  were  expended  on  the  highways  of  this  State,  and,  if  road-building  eontinues 
to  inerease  at  the  present  rate,  it  is  safe  to  predict  that  within  the  next  decade  the 
main  arteries  of  travel,  which  carry  nearly  90  per  cent  of  the  traffic,  will  be  substan- 
tially improved  and  Michigan  will  assume  a prominent  place  among  the  States  of  the 
Union  which  are  noted  for  good  roads. 


Western  Michigan  Pike.  This  thoroughfare  will  extend,  when  completed,  from  the  southern  boundary  of  the  State  to 
the  Straits  of  Mackinac,  skirting  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  distance. 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


'I'lllC  ('.ICNlvRAl.  IM1VvS1()(;KAI’11\’,  vSOII.S,  and  mini^kai.  ricsdukcics 

OF  iMK'lllDAN. 


IlY  R.  ('.  AI.LICN, 

State  ( ieolo^ist. 

CICNKRAL  rilVSKKiRAlMlY. 

The  State  of  Michigan  comprises  two  great  peninsulas,  sei)arating  the  waters 
of  Lakes  Superior,  Michigan,  Huron  and  Lrie,  and  about  two  hundred  islands  including 
Isle  Royale  near  the  northern  coast  of  Lake  Superior  and  the  historic  and  beautiful 
Island  of  Mackinac  in  the  Straits  of  Mackinac.  It  has  a total  land  area  of  about 

59.000  square  miles.  Situated  in  the  heart  of  the  continent,  holding  within  its  borders 

5.000  sparkling  inland  lakes,  surrounded  by  the  waters  of  the  Great  Lakes  which  are 
the  greatest  inland  waterways  in  the  world,  with  a coast  line  of  more  than  1,600  miles 


Beach  of  Lake  Warren  from  lakeward  side.  Buildings  stand  on  the  beach,  one  mile 
North  of  Charleston,  Sanilac  County. 


indented  with  bays  and  harbors  and  fringed  with  islands,  Michigan  enjoys  remarkable 
commercial  and  climatic  advantages.  The  commercial  advantages  are  reflected  in 
the  fringe  of  important  manufacturing  and  shipping  centers  along  the  lake  shores, 
and  the  climatic  advantages  by  the  variety  and  specialized  character  of  its  agricultural 
pursuits,  as  w^ell  as  by  the  hundreds  of  thousands  of  summer  residents  and  visitors 
who  are  welcomed  from  the  less  enjoyable  summer  climates  of  other  states  and 
countries. 


44 


MICHIGAN 


The  surface  of  Michigan  presents  a great  variety  of  forms,  most  of  which  have 
their  origin  in  geologic  processes  which  were  attendant  on  the  advance  and  retreat 
(some  1 (),()()()  to  20, ()()()  years  agof  of  the  last  great  continental  glacier  which  covered 
the  central  continent  as  far  south  as  the  Ohio  river.  To  continental  glaciation  we 
are  indebted,  not  only  for  the  Great  Lakes  themselves,  and  hence  our  insular  climate, 
but  also  for  the  character  and  diversity  of  our  land  forms,  the  configuration  of  the 
coast,  our  inland  lakes,  and  our  many  and  varied  types  of  soil.  The  flat  lands  or 
plains  which  extend  from  the  south  east  corner  of  the  state  northward  in  a fringing 
belt  around  the  "Thumb,”  occupying  all  of  the  famous  Saginaw  Valley,  are  part  of 
the  ancient  bottoms  of  the  ancestral  Great  Lakes.  With  the  exception  of  these  flat 
lands,  and  other  similar  but  smaller  tracts,  the  surface  of  the  Southern  Peninsula 
is  gently  rolling,  the  undulating  plains  alternating  with  belts  and  irregular  tracts  of 
hills.  The  elevation  of  the  surface  rises  rather  gradually  from  the  lakes  inland.  The 

higher  lands  in  the  interior 
are  divided  by  a remarkable 
broad  valley,  extending  from 
Saginaw  bay  via  Grand  rivei 
to  Lake  Michigan,  into  a 
northern  highland  and  a 
southern  highland.  The 
northern  highland  is  an  ele- 
vated tract  of  country  reach- 
ing from  Otsego,  Montmor- 
ency and  Alcona  counties 
southwest  into  Lake,  Neway- 
go and  Mecosta  counties.  The 
elevation  of  this  tract  ranges 
from  400  to  1,000  feet  above 
Lakes  Michigan  and  Huron. 
The  highest  point  in  Lower 

Bronson  Lake,  Lapeer  County.  A typical  Moraine  Lake.  M^ichigan  is  a fcW  milcS  SOUth 

east  of  Cadillac  in  northern  Osceola  county,  where  a group  of  hills  reach  a height  of  about 
1,100  feet  above  lake  level,  or  1,700  feet  above  the  sea.  The  southeastern  highland 
consists  of  a much  lower  and  nearly  parallel  tract  extending  from  southern  Huron 
county  southwest  through  Branch  and  Hillsdale  counties  into  Indiana  and  Ohio. 
Llost  of  this  area  is  from  200  to  600  feet  above  Lake  Huron,  the  highest  portions  lying 
in  Hillsdale  and  Oakland  counties  where  the  elevations  are  at  maximum  1,287  feet 
to  over  1,300  feet  above  sea  level. 

A rise  of  120  feet  of  the  waters  of  Lakes  Huron  and  Michigan  would  connect 
Saginaw  bay  and  Lake  Michigan  with  a strait  several  miles  wide  and  50  feet  deep. 
The  "mitten,  ” from  a vicinity  north  of  Grand  Rapids,  northeast  nearly  to  Lake  Huron, 
w’ould  become  a large  island  with  numerous  smaller  ones  around  its  shores.  A broad 
peninsula,  tapering  to  the  northeast,  would  extend  from  Indiana  and  northwestern 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


■IS 


Ohio  into  'Puscola  ami  Saiiilac'  count i('S.  U'crc  the  l.ak(‘S  to  rise  lOO  feet  the  sfnith- 
oastcni  highland  would  l)ccouu'  tucrcly  a j^u'oup  of  islands  with  one  lar^(;  one  in 
Oakland  and  anotlu'r  in  Jackson,  Hillsdale  and  lhanch  counties. 

d'hc  Upper  Peninsula  has  a hijjjher  westc'rn  portion,  mj^^^ed  and  rocky  in  many 
localities,  and  a much  lower  and  k\ss  rn}.j^ed  and  rocky  eastern  one.  d'he  heit^ht  of 
the  interior  table-land  of  the  western  portion,  ranges  from  1, ()()()  to  1,200  feet  above 
the  lakes  or  1,600  to  1,800  feet  above  sea  level,  but  the  rock  kn(d)S  and  hills  of  drift 
rise  a few’  hundred  feet  hijjjher.  The  highest  {xnnt  in  the  state,  2,023  feet,  is  in  the 
Porcupine  mountains  in  Ontonagon  county.  The  eastern  y)ortion  has  a general 
elevation  of  only  about  250  feet  above  the  lakes,  and  the  highest  point  is  only  a little 
over  400  feet  above  Lake  Michigan.  Like  Lower  Michigan,  the  Upf)cr  I’eninsula 
is  cut  across  by  a prominent  valley,  the  bed  of  a former  glacial  river,  running  south 
from  Au  'brain  bay,  on  the  northern  shore,  to  White  Fish  river  and  Little  Bay  de  Noc. 
Were  the  level  of  Lake  Superior  raised  150  feet  its  w’aters  w’ould  flow  through  this 
old  valley  into  Lake  Michigan. 

'Lhe  state  is  drained  by  a number  of  important  rivers.  Many  of  these  streams 
have  been  of  incalculable  value  as  mediums  of  transportation  of  logs  to  the  lumber 
mills,  and  have  determined  the  location  of  some  of  the  most  important  cities  of  the 
state.  In  the  future  they  are  destined  to  furnish  an  increasing  amount  of  electric 
pow’er  for  transmission  to  villages,  cities,  industrial  centers,  and  even  to  the  farms. 
The  Raisin,  Huron,  Saginaw  and  AuSable  are  the  most  important  ones  of  the  eastern 
slope  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  the  Manistee,  Muskegon,  Grand,  Kalamazoo  and 
St.  Joseph  of  the  w^estern.  The  Huron  and  AuSable,  rising  in  the  interior  highlands, 
afford  a large  amount  of  water  power.  The  Saginaw^  the  largest  river  of  the  peninsula, 
is  navigable  to  Saginaw,  the  center  of  one  of  the  richest  agricultural  and  manufacturing 
districts  of  the  state,  and  the  Grand  to  Grand  Rapids  where  water  power  has  been 
extensively  developed. 

In  the  Upper  Peninsula  the  rivers  are  in  general  shorter  and  more  rapid,  having 
steeper  gradients.  The  Menominee  is  the  largest  river,  forming  for  a great  part  of 
its  length  the  boundary  between  Michigan  and  Wisconsin.  The  numerous  falls  and 
rapids  throughout  its  course  are  being  rapidly  developed  for  power.  The  other 
important  rivers  are  the  Escanaba,  White  Fish,  Manistique,  Carp,  Pine,  Tequamenon, 
Sturgeon  and  Ontonagon. 


SOILS. 

Under  the  limitations  of  space  imposed  on  this  article  it  will  be  impossible  to 
give  even  a brief  description  of  the  various  types  of  soil  which  occur  in  Michigan.  I 
shall  therefore  confine  my  remarks  on  this  subject  to  a brief  statement  regarding 
the  proper  use  of  the  general  soil  maps  of  Michigan  which  accompany  this  volume. 

These  soil  maps  are  the  expression  of  an  effort  to  adapt  the  results  of  a careful 
scientific  study  and  mapping  of  the  surface  formations  of  the  state  to  a distinctly 
utilitarian  purpose.  They  will  be  found  useful  to  persons  interested  in  obtaining 
a knowledge  of  the  character  and  distribution  of  the  soils  in  Michigan. 


46 


M I C H I G A N 


It  is  known  l)y  everyone  who  has  only  a slight  familiarity  with  soils  that  maps 
whieh  show  details  of  soil  eomposition  and  texture  do  not  exist  and  in  the  very  nature 
of  the  ease  eannot  be  made.  There  is  no  limitation  of  subdivisions  that  might  be 
made  were  soils  to  be  elassified  on  the  basis  of  slight  differenees  in  physieal  and 
ehemieal  eomposition.  On  a single  seetion  of  land  there  may  be  found  one,  two,  six, 
or  a dozen  different  kinds  of  soil,  depending  on  the  loasis  of  elassifieation  and  the 
degree  of  importanee  attaehed  to  minor  variations  in  eharaeter.  On  the  maps  whieh 
aeeompany  this  volume  there  are  shown  in  eolor  and  symbol  14  types  and  sub-types 
of  soil  formations.  It  is  believed  that  this  degree  of  subdivision  expresses  admirably 
the  general  faets.  The  eharaeter  and  relations  of  these  types  and  sub-types  may  be 
readily  understood  and  the  number  is  not  so  great  as  to  be  eonfusing  to  the  general 
reader  or  layman. 

While  a single  small  area  of  land  may  show  wide  variations  in  soil  eharaeter, 
the  number  of  soil  types  depending,  as  stated  above,  on  the  importanee  attaehed  to 
slight  variations  in  eharaeter,  it  is  not  less  true  that  the  same  area  may  have  a great 
predominanee  of  soil  of  a partieular  eharaeter  and  eomposition,  depending  on  origin 
and  manner  of  formation,  and  the  general  soil  eonditions  in  sueh  an  area  eould  be 
properly  represented  on  a small  seale  map  by  a single  eolor  or  symbol.  The  colors 
and  symbols  on  the  soil  maps  which  accompany  this  volume  express  dominance  in 
the  various  areas  covered  by  them  of  a particular  soil  of  the  general  character  set  forth 
in  the  legend  and  not  the  entire  exclusion  of  other  types.  In  the  mapping  of  the  soil 
formations  it  should  be  understood  that  no  attempt  has  been  made  to  measure  general 
fertility  or  the  crop  growing  capacity  of  the  soil  formations  or  particular  crop  adapta- 
tions to  particular  soils.  Soil  fertility  is  a thing  which  cannot  be  expressed  on  a map. 
Local  conditions  of  temperature,  moisture,  topography,  physical  and  chemical  com- 
position, the  property  of  supporting  bacterial  life,  the  character  of  the  sub-soil,  etc., 
are  important  determinants  of  crop  growing  capacity  and  it  follows  that  this  being 
true,  relative  crop  growing  capacity  cannot  be  expressed  on  a soil  map.  Particular 
kinds  of  soil  under  certain  combinations  of  the  above  factors  will  grow  excellent  crops 
of  particular  kinds  when  other  crops  will  fail  wholly  or  partially.  In  these  days  of 
specialized  farming  practically  every  kind  of  soil  can  be  managed  in  such  a manner 
as  to  grow  remunerative  crops  and  soil  management  is  a factor  in  crop  growing  of 
importance  equivalent  to  that  of  the  soil  itself. 

Vast  areas  of  good  agricultural  land,  mainly  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state, 
await  settlement  and  development.  Prospective  purchasers  of  land  and  prospective 
settlers  should  be  guided  mainly  by  accurate  information  regarding  local  conditions 
and  personal  or  other  trustworthy  knowledge  of  the  particular  description  of  land 
of  which  purchase  is  considered,  and  it  should  be  emphasized  that  no  map  and  no 
amount  of  printed  matter  can  take  the  place  of  a personal  examination  of  land  on  the 
ground. 

MINERAL  RESOURCES. 

Michigan  has  claim  to  a distinctive  position  in  each  of  the  leading  industries 
of  the  nation,  viz.,  agriculture,  manufacture,  mining  and  lumbering.  Michigan  has 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


47 


lu'i'ii  knmvti  ;is  a j^ri'al  inininj^  stati'  siiu'(‘  lai'  hack  in  llic  cai'ly  lortics  and  fiflics  wlinn 
she  hi'^an  tlu'  (U'N'rloiniu'nl  of  licr  ^n’('al  ('ojjpcr  and  ii’on  mines,  and  today  no  otfuT 
stale  produees  in  sneli  vast  ([nantitii'S  sneh  a diversity  of  mineral  products.  VVdn'lc 
Miehi,r;an's  fami'  as  a mininj.^  stale  rests  mainly  on  her  vast  deposits  of  co[)[)cr  .and 
iron  ores,  she  produees  in  addition  a larj^c'  numher  of  other  mineral  ])roducts,  among 
the  nuire  important  of  whieh  arc  coal,  s.alt,  gyjjsum,  clay,  marl,  limcstrjne,  gla.ss, 
whetstones  and  seythestones,  gem  stones  and  silver.  Prior  to  1896  a considerable 
amount  of  gold  was  produced  from  ([u.artz  veins  in  the  vicinity  of  ishpeming. 


Baltic  Mine.  A typical  Michigan  copper  mine. 


GRAVEL,  CLAY  AND  MARL. 

Gravel,  clay  and.  marl  are  found  in  the  glacial  drift  wdiich  is  also  the  universal 

soil  formation  of  the  state.  Gravels  are  becoming  more  and  more  valuable  for  use 

in  road  building  and  road  ballast.  Marls  are  used  in  the  production  of  Portland 
cement.  Marl  beds  occur  in  many  of  the  inland  lakes  of  the  state  and  constitute 
the  basis  of  an  important  cement  industry.  Michigan  makes  more  cement  from 

marl  than  any  other  state.  Many  of  the  most  valuable  clay  deposits  occur  around 

the  borders  of  the  state  in  the  beds  of  the  extinct  glacial  Great  Lakes  which  were  the 
predecessors  of  the  present  Great  Lakes  and  whose  shore  lines  are  found  far  inland 
on  the  present  day  land  surface.  These  clays  form  the  basis  of  a brick  and  tile 
industry,  the  value  of  whose  products  exceed  $2,000,000  annually. 


COAL. 

The  Michigan  coal  basin  occupies  about  15,000  square  miles  of  territory  in  the 
central  part  of  the  Southern  Peninsula.  Coal  beds  varying  from  an  inch  up,  to  above 
seven  feet  in  thickness  occur  in  the  upper  part  of  the  coal  measure  series.  It  has 
been  estimated  that  there  are  8,000,000,000  tons  of  coal  in  the  Michigan  basin,  much 


48 


MICHIGAN 


of  which  is  available  for  mining.  At  the  present  time  the  active  centers  of  coal  mining 
are  Bay  City,  Saginaw,  St.  Charles,  and  in  Genesee  county.  The  value  of  the  coal 
produced  is  more  than  $3,000,000  annually. 

SALT,  GYPSUM,  OIL  AND  GAS. 

Rock  salt  occurs  in  the  rocks  of  the  Salina  series  and  is  produced  through  a shaft 
at  Detroit.  The  greater  part  of  the  salt  production  of  the  state,  however,  is  obtained 
by  the  pumping  of  brines  and  evaporation  with  waste  fuel  from  lumber  mills  or  in 
specially  constructed  vaeuum  pans.  Salt  is  produced  mainly  at  Detroit  and  north- 
ward along  Lake  St.  Clair,  in  the  Saginaw  Valley,  and  at  Ludington  and  Manistee.  The 
value  of  the  annual  salt  products  of  Michigan  is  about  $2,500,000  which  exceeds  that 
of  any  other  state. 

Gypsum  occurs  in  the  Grand  Rapids  group  of  the  Carboniferous  series  and  is 
mined  and  manufaetured  into  the  finished  products  of  commerce  mainly  at  Grand 
Rapids  and  Alabaster  in  Iosco  county.  The  annual  production  is  valued  at  from 
$600,000  to  $800,000. 

t-  \i  Michigan  produces  small  quantities  of  oil  and  gas.  Many  of  the  farmers  in 
the  southeastern  part  of  the  state  and  some  other  places  obtain  sufficient  natural  gas 
from  shallow  borings  for  domestic  purposes.-  It  is  the  belief  of  many  geologists  that 
Michigan  may  in  time  become  an  important  producer  of  oil  and  gas. 


Copper  ingots  on  dock  at  Houghton. 

COPPER. 

The  copper  industry  in  Michigan  began  as  early  as  1845.  The  mines  are  located 
on  Keweenaw  Point  and  southwestward  in  Ontonagon  county.  Michigan  has  the 
distinction  of  being,  all  years  considered,  the  largest  contributor  in  metallic  copper, 
of  exhibiting  the  largest  copper  mining  operations,  of  attaining  the  lowest  cost  per 
ton  of  ore  handled,  of  exploiting  with  profit  ores  of  lower  grade  than  are  mined  else- 


M I ( ' 1 1 I ( '.  A N 


V) 


wlirri',  ami  of  paN’inj’  larj^of  lolal  dividt'iids  Ilian  any  oilier  niiniii).'  di.lriei,  in  the 
world.  'I'lu'  animal  onlpnt  of  reCnied  eo|)|)i-i’  is  valued  at  from  $21,000,000  to 
$•10,000,000  (U'|)(Midinjj[  on  (lit'  priei'  of  tiu'  iiielal. 

C'oppi'r  (H'vurs  in  nalivi'  form,  mainly  in  coiif^lonieratcs  and  trap  beds,  d’lie 
famous  ('alnnu'l  and  1 li'ela  I'oppi'r  lodt'  is  tlirc'e  miles  lon^^  and  twelve  to  fifteen  feel 
thick  ami  is  mim'd  at  a (h'plh  of  about  oiu'  mile,  h'rom  the  mines  tlu'  eopjier  ore 
is  hauled  to  tlu'  mills,  most  of  which  are  located  on  the  lak('.  In  tlu'  mills  the  cojijier 
is  separated  from  the  rock,  from  whence'  it  is  sent  to  the  snu'Itc'rs  whe-re'  it  is  refined 
and  east  into  shapes  for  shipment,  (ux'at  piles  of  c()])per  inj^ots  are  familiar  and 
eharaeteristie  sights  on  the  docks  of  d'oreh  and  Portage  Lakes. 


Fogarty  mine.  A typical  Michigan  iron  mine. 

There  is  vastly  more  copper  in  the  ground  in  Michigan  than  has  been  mined 
and  Michigan  will  produce  copper  for  many,  many  years  to  come.  With  the  gradually 
declining  tenor  of  the  ores,  increasing  depths  of  mines,  etc.,  the  question  with  the 
mining  companies  relates  not  so  much  to  exhaustion  of  the  copper  deposits  as  to  the 
margin  of  profit  that  the  deposits  may  be  forced  to  yield  on  exploitation. 

4 


50 


MICHIGAN 


IRON. 

Iron  was  discovered  in  the  Lake  Superior  region  in  1844  near  Negaunee  by  Wm. 
A.  Hurt,  who  was  in  the  employ  of  Dr.  Douglass  Houghton,  the  first  state  geologist 
of  Michigan.  For  nearly  half  a century,  ])rior  to  1901,  Miehigan  held  first  place  in 
the  ])roduction  of  iron  ore.  Since  that  time  the  production  of  Minnesota  has  been 
much  greater  than  that  of  Michigan.  The  main  centers  of  iron  mining  are  Tshpeming 
and  Negaunee  on  the  Marquette  Range,  Norway,  Iron  Mountain,  Crystal  Falls  and 
Iron  River  on  the  Menominee  Range,  and  Bessemer,  Wakefield  and  Ironwood  on  the 
(iogebic  Range. 

As  old  mines  are  abandoned  new  mines  are  started  on  new  discoveries  of  ore  and 
although  Alichigan  has  lieen  mining  iron  ore  for  nearly  seventy  years  there  still  remains 
in  the  ground  ready  for  mining  almost,  if  not  quite,  as  mueh  iron  ore  as  has  been 
produced  in  all  preeeding  years.  In  other  words  more  ore  is  developed  and  discovered 
each  year  on  the  average  than  is  mined  that  year,  and  at  the  present  time  the  outlook 
is  exceedingly  encouraging  for  an  indefinitely  long  and  prosperous  period  of  iron  mining. 
Michigan  produces  normally  from  10,000,000  to  13,000,000  tons  of  iron  ore  annually 
valued  at  $25,000,000  to  $33,000,000.  It  is  expected  that  this  production  will  ma- 
terially increase  in  future  years. 

OTHER  MINERAL  PRODUCTS. 

I have  not  space  to  do  more  than  mention  the  production  of  gem  stones  whieh 
occur  in  association  with  the  copper  bearing  rocks;  silver,  which  is  a bi-product  of 
copper  smelting:  gold,  which  is  known  to  occur  in  quartz  veins  in  the  vicinity  of 
Ishpeming;  building  stone  and  other  minor  products,  nor  the  pig  iron  production 
which  is  associated  with  the  rapidly  growing  wood-chemieal  industry. 

The  state  of  Miehigan  maintains  a Department  of  Geological  Survey  under  the 
direetion  of  the  State  Geologist  who  will  on  request  furnish  details  of  information 
regarding  the  mineral  resources  of  Alichigan. 


M I ('  II  1 ('.  A N 


'rill<:  MIC'IIK'.AN  ('LIMA'l'K'  ( '( )N  I )I'rr(  )NS. 

|{V  1'.  SCIINI'ADICU, 

Dirc'ctor  Mit'h.  vScclion,  V.  S.  Weather  bureau. 

'I'ho  clinuile  Michij^an  is  insular  to  a marked  decree  on  account  (jf  the  influence 
of  the  (Ireat  Lakes. 

d'he  determining  factors  of  climate  for  any  locality  arc  chiefly  latitude  and  the 
relative  distribution  of  land  and  water.  Other  important  factors  are  the  topography 
of  its  land  surface,  and  the  situation  of  the  area  in  question  with  relation  to  the  general 
movement  of  storm  centers. 

All  of  Michigan  is  situated  in  a latitude  that  is  conducive  to  some  kind  of  agri- 
culture, and  its  comparatively  long  days  and  short  night  during  the  crop  season  are 
not  only  conducive  to  crop  growth,  but  they  reduce  to  a minimum,  late  frosts  in  spring 
and  early  frosts  in  autumn. 

In  lower  Michigan  the  longest  day  of  the  year  in  summer  is  nearly  15|  hours, 
while  at  New  Orleans  the  longest  day  of  the  year  is  a little  more  than  14  hours  in  length. 
In  Upper  Michigan  the  longest  day  of  the  year  is  nearly  16  hours.  The  day  light 
promotes  all  vegetable  growth,  while  the  short  nights  reduce  the  probability  of  frosts 
and  also  shorten  the  period  of  diurnal  coolness.* 

The  large  bodies  of  water  which  make  up  the  Great  Lakes  have  a decided  effect 
in  modifying  any  temperature  change  sweeping  from  West  to  East,  either  as  excessive 
heat  or  in  the  form  of  excessive  cold.  This  influence  is  very  marked  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  Lake  Michigan,  although  it  is  very  apparent  in  all  parts  of  the  state.  In 
Wisconsin  winter  temperatures  have  frequently  continued  from  10  to  20  degrees 
lower  during  periods  of  extreme  cold  weather  than  in  lower  Michigan  on  account 
of  the  warming  influence  of  the  Great  Lake  which  intervenes  between  the  two.  In 
spring,  the  influence  of  all  of  the  Great  Lakes  and  particularly  that  of  Lake  Michigan 
is  of  untold  value  in  modifying  the  eastward  sweep  of  early  hot  waves  and  late  in 
spring  cold  waves. 

In  summer  the  refreshing  southwest  and  west  winds  which  prevail  are  making 
the  entire  Lake  Michigan  shore  one  continuous  summer  resort. 

The  topography  of  Alichigan,  except  in  the  central  portions  of  the  Upper 
Peninsula  is  not  so  marked  that  it  exerts  a general  influence  upon  its  climate,  but 
it  has  some  features  that  exert  marked  local  effects.  The  high  lands  of  Houghton, 
Baraga,  Alarquette,  Iron  and  Dickinson  counties  in  the  Upper  Peninsula,  and  the 
elevated  portions  of  Osceola,  Wexford,  Alissaukee,  Kalkaska,  and  .Antrim  counties 
in  the  lower  Peninsula  are  noted  for  their  great  snow  depths  in  winter,  because  the 
moisture  laden  westerly  winds  are  deflected  upward,  and  the  relatively  colder  tempera- 
ture of  the  high  altitude  condenses  the  moisture.  The  influence  of  Lake  Superior 
is  such  as  to  cause  early  snows  in  the  Upper  Peninsula,  so  that  as  a rule  the  ground 


52 


M I C II I G A N 


is  well  protected  and  frost  seldom  gets  into  the  soil  in  that  part  of  the  state.  In  the 
southern  part  of  the  state  snow  is  not  as  plentiful  or  regular,  nor  does  it  come  as 
early  in  the  fall,  and  it  is  a usual  condition  to  have  the  soil  quite  heavily  frosted  during 
the  late  fall  and  early  spring. 

As  considered  from  an  agricultural  standpoint,  it  may  be  said  that  agriculture 
in  all  of  its  varied  forms  may  be  carried  on  with  success  when  the  average  yearly 


SUPBRIOR 


Plate  showing  the  counties  in  the  various  sections,  viz.:  Upper  Peninsula,  Northern,  Central  and  Southern. 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


,S.< 


pri'i'ipilat ion  is  wt'll  distfibuli'd  ( lirouphout.  the  year,  and  (•((iials  or  cxcccfis  aijont 
25  iiu'hi's. 

d'ho  ontiri'  stain  of  Mic'Iiij^an  has  an  annual  prncipitaticjn  that  is  very  (icpially 
distribnU'd  tln\)nKlumt  thn  year,  as  a rule  the  lieaviest  occurring  during  the  S[)ring 
nuniths  when  it  is  most  needed,  of  approximately  30  inches.  On  the  other  hand, 
a certain  amount  of  tempt'ralnre  is  necessary  for  agriculture,  and  here  again  the  state 


Plate  showing  annual  mean  temperature. 


54 


MICHIGAN 


is  fortunate,  because  its  crop  season  is  as  a rule  long  enough  to  mature  many  of  the 
staj)lc  food  stuffs  and  the  warmth  sufficient  to  grow  them  to  maturity. 


TEMPERATURE. 

The  mean  annual  temperature  of  the  lower  l^eninsula  is  as  a whole  about  46 
degrees,  ranging  from  49  degrees  in  the  extreme  southwestern  part  to  42  degrees  in 
the  extreme  northeasterly  portion. 

63 


Plate  showing  July  mean  temperature. 


M I ('  II  I (',  A N 


■S". 

W Ink'  in  (lu^  nppi'r  I’l'innsnln  I lie  mean  aininal  (('iiipcrat  nrc  is  10  (I('j.m-ccs,  ran^M'n;4 
li-oin  -la  (U'Kivc's  in  tlu'  ('xtrcnu'  sonllicni  ix.rtion;  to  aOonI,  .^0  defaces  iii  Ilia’ cxItciiic 
iu)r(lu'ast  portion;  tlir  avi'raKn  maxinnnn  or  day  tcinjx'rat  nn;  ranges  from  ahont  80 
di'Kivos  in  sninnu'r  to  2.S  di'^ri'i'S  in  winter,  d'lu'  averaKe  minimnm  or  m’Klit  temiier- 
ahiiv  IS  approximately  55  de^n'i'S  in  snmnu'r,  and  from  <S  to  12  de^^rees  in  winter, 
k.xtreme  (empi'rat nres  ol  lOt)  dej^ri'es  or  more  are  not  of  fn'ijnent  occurrence,  althoiiKh 


Plate  showing  January  mean  temperature. 


56 


MICHIGAN 


they  have  been  recorded  at  some  j)laces  on  one  or  two  days  during  the  majority  of 
summers  in  the  past  twenty-five  years. 

Zeio  tem])eratures  are  an  invariable  rule  during  the  most  months  in  the  winter 
in  the  Upper  J'cninsula  and  northern  half  of  the  lower  Peninsula;  in  the  southern 
half  of  the  lower  peninsula  zero  temperatures  usually  occur  although  there  have 
been  some  winters  when  there  has  been  an  entire  absence  of  zero  weather. 

AVERAGE  MONTHLY  PRECIPITATION. 

Upper  Peninsula. 


Jan.  Fe 

D.  Mar.  Apr.  May  June  July  Auj 

s,,  Se 

pt.  Oct. Nov.  Dec 

4" 

3" 

O 11  1 

1 

1 

1 

1 1 

1 

1 1 

1 1 

|_J 

n 

oJ 

J 

LJ 



L 

M 

1 J 1 r 1 _ 1 j 

AVERAGE  MONTHLY  PRECIPITATION. 
Northern  Section. 


Jar 

4" 

3" 

2"  1 
V 

0 1 

..Fe 

1.. Uqj. 

Jip] 

p . ■ Ma.^ 

[■■■Jua£ 

i Jul; 

f Aug. 

Sept 

..  Qci 

1^-. Urn 

/.  Dec 

1 

1 , 

1 1 

1 1 

1 1 

1 

fTiln 

1 1 

1 

I 1 

1 1 

I 1 

1 

lJ 1 1 

Long  heated  spells  in  summer  or  abnormally  protracted  cold  ones  in  winter  are 
very  unusual.  Historical  ones  occurred  in  the  summers  of  1911  and  1913  and  during 
the  winter  of  1899. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A X 


r-.i 


I'  U(  )s  i . 

As  a niK'  ili'sl lau'l i\'i'  iVosls  do  not  occuf  after  May  15tli  in  llie  sprinj^  nor  at,  the 
NH'ry  narlii'st  brfore  Si'pteinl )i'i'  2()tli,  or  i.Stli,  in  the  fall,  t )ver  a larye  part  of  Uie 
sontln'rn  peninsula  frosts  do  not  ocenr  in  fall  until  ( tetoher  IsL.  'This  ^ives  an  average 
of  115  daws,  or  ni'aiiy  5 months  wlu-n  in  a larpa*  jjortion  of  the  slate  under  avera^'c 
conditions,  then'  will  ht'  no  deslrnelive  frosts. 

AVERAGE  MONTHLY  PRECIPITATION. 

Central  Section. 


AVERAGE  MONTHLY  PRECIPITATION. 
Southern  Section. 


PRECIPITATION. 

The  precipitation,  by  which  is  meant  rain  and  snow,  is  unusually  well  distributed 
throughout  the  year.  Reference  to  the  small  charts  accompanying  this  article  show 
that  in  all  parts  of  the  state  the  precipitation  in  May  is  usually  the  greatest  of  any 


58 


M I C II  I O A N 


month  in  the  year,  and  very  well  suited  to  the  spring  plowing,  spring  germination, 
and  the  forwarding  of  growth  of  winter  wheat,  winter  rye,  meadows,  and  pastures. 

Normally  the  ])recipitation  is  ample  and  sufficient  for  all  crop  needs  during  the 
remainder  of  the  growing  season,  and  then  diminishes  so  that  the  least  amount  is 
found  to  occur  in  the  mid  winter  months. 


Plate  showing  average  annual  precipitation. 


M I C II  I G A N 


59 


SNOW. 

The  average  depth  of  snowfall  for  all  of  the  various  sections  of  the  state  can  be 
found  in  the  tables  following. 

The  small  outline  map  of  Michigan  also  shows  of  what  counties  the  various  sec- 
tions arc  comi:)rised.  It  will  be  noted  that  snow  has  never  been  known  to  occur  in 
July  and  August,  and  rarely  in  June  or  September,  except  in  isolated  and  long 
apart  periods  in  the  Upper  Peninsula.  The  first  snow  usually  occurs  in  October, 
increasing  in  the  amount  to  the  end  of  January,  after  which  there  is  a decrease  in 
amount  which  practically  ends  in  April.  Light  falls  are  quite  usual  during  May. 
Nearly  60  inches  of  snow  falls  annually  in  all  counties  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and 
something  over  70  inches  in  the  Upper  Peninsula. 

DROUGHT. 

Short  and  irregular  periods  of  drought  over  limited  portions  of  the  state  have 
occurred,  but  long  periods  of  deficient  precipitation  are  rare.  An  exact  statement 
of  the  conditions  which  actually  constitute  a severe  drought  are  hard  to  make  because 
much. depends  not  only  in  the  length  of  time  that  there  is  an  absence  of  rainfall,  but 
on  the  condition  of  the  soil  when  deficient  periods  of  rainfall  begin,  the  time  of  year 
when  the  deficiency  occurs;  and  from  an  agricultural  standpoint  the  texture  of  the 
soil  and  other  physical  conditions  also  have  a bearing. 

Professor  Henry  in  his  climatology  of  the  United  States  notes  that  the  greatest 
drought  this  country  has  ever  experienced  in  the  last  hundred  years,  both  as  to  in- 
tensity and  extent  of  territory  covered,  extended  over  the  middle  Mississippi,  and 
Missouri  valleys,  the  Lake  region,  and  Atlantic  coast  districts  from  early  summer 
of  1894  until -about  the  first  of  August  1895,  the  precipitation  deficiency  being  about 
10  inches.  Since  then  there  has  been  no  real  serious  droughts  in  Michigan. 

SUNSHINE. 

The  sunshine  annually  will  average  somewhat  over  50%  of  the  possible  amount, 
the  percentage  being  much  higher  during  the  period  extending  from  May  until  the 
middle  of  October  than  during  the  winter  months.  During  December,  Januar}^  and 
February  it  sometimes  falls  as  low  as  20%  of  the  ])ossible  amount,  while  during  June, 
July,  August  and  September  it  exceeds  60  and  sometimes  70%  of  the  ])OSsible  amount. 
As  a rule  July  is  the  sunniest  month  and  December  is  the  cloudiest. 

WINDS. 

The  prevailing  winds  for  the  greater  part  of  the  year  are  from  the  west  and  the 
average  hourly  velocity  ranges  from  121,  miles  per  hour  in  March  and  Ajiril  to  a 
minimum  of  about  9 miles  per  hour  in  August  and  vSeptember.  The  wind  is  mostly 
from  the  west  and  southwest  during  the  first  three  months  of  the  year  and  from  June 
to  December;  cpiite  a large  jicriod,  but  less  than  a majority  of  the  time  during  April 
and  May  the  surface  movement  of  the  air  is  from  the  east  and  northeast. 


60 


MICHIGAN 


Maximum  velocities  of  short  duration  ranging  from  25  to  40  miles  per  hour  occur 
(luring  most  months  of  the  year  and  velocities  of  60  miles  and  over  are  of  comparatively 
rare  occurrence.  Winds  are  more  variable  during  the  cooler  half  of  the  year.  At 
all  seasons  the  southerly  winds  are  usually  moist  and  warm;  the  northerly  winds  cold 
and  dry.  The  easterly  winds  usually  herald  unsettled  weather  and  the  westerly 
winds  presage  fair  and  settled  conditions. 

Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  prevailing  summer  winds  are  southwesterly,  the  shore 
of  Lake  Michigan  from  the  southern  limits  of  the  state  northward  is  much  sought 
for  relief  during  the  hot  months  by  people  of  other  states.  Water  breezes  are  refresh- 
ing especially  at  night. 


CONCLUSION. 

Of  all  of  the  northern  states,  Michigan  has  perhaps  the  most  even  or  equable 
climate  on  account  of  the  dominating  influence  of  the  great  water  bodies  which  almost 
surround  it.  To  the  farmer,  the  fruit  grower  and  the  gardener  the  comparatively 
even  temperatures  during  spring  and  fall  are  of  untold  value.  The  moisture  laden 
atmosphere  induced  by  the  Great  Lakes  is  beneficent  to  vegetation  and  stands  as  a 
mighty  bulwark  against  the  early  hot  forcing  warm  waves  of  early  spring  and  the 
later  cold  waves  of  almost  early  summer;  the  Great  Lakes  and  their  moisture  produce 
comparatively  even  temperatures  during  the  warmest  summer  months  and  in  the  fall 
retard  the  advance  of  early  cold. 

The  average  or  normal  amount  of  precipitation  and  its  distribution  throughout 
the  year  is  ideal  for  field  and  orchard  operations;  its  long  summer  days  are  conducive 
to  plant  growth  and  the  ample  sunshine  of  summer  is  a valuable  aid  to  all  of  the  many 
favorable  items  of  climate  with  which  nature  has  endowed  the  peninsular  state. 


M 1 ('  II  I {'.  A N 


61 


OKNIOKAI,  OI.IMATIC  DATA. 
ll|i|ii'r  I'l'iiltiHiilii. 


Montli. 

Tomperaturo 

llogree.H  I'lihronhelt. 

IT<!(4pltatlon 

In  Inches. 

Nuintier  of  ( 

ays. 

Mean. 

Mean  maximum. 

Mean  minimum. 

Highest. 

Year. 

«9 

a 

Lowest. 

! 

Year. 

Q 

Average  total. 

Greatest  in  24 

hours. 

Total  snowfall 

(unmeited.) 

With  .01,  or  more 

of  precipitation. 

i 

1 Clear. 

j Partly  cloudy. 

Cloudy. 

Prevailing  winds 

January . . . 

i:..a 

22.9 

0 

r^7 

1894 

14 

—45 

1912 

6,7,  12 

2.19 

2,00 

21.3 

12 

8 ; 0 

17 

NW 

Eehruary . . 

U1.2 

22 . 1 

4 

2 

00 

1890 

27 

— 49 

1899 

7 

1 .05 

1 .80 

10.2 

9 

9 7 

12 

NW 

March,  . . . 

22 . 7 

3 1 . 0 

13 

( 

83 

1910 

30 

— 40 

1913 

4 & 7 

1.99 

2.40 

13.7 

8 

12  8 

11 

NW 

.\i>ril 

37.7 

•10.9 

28 

(> 

90 

1 899 

20 

— 10 

1909 

10 

2.13 

4.40 

5.4 

8 

12  8 

10 

NW 

A lay 

•18.8 

58 , 0 

38 

3 

98 

1895 

20 

10 

1903 

*1907 

*1  & 4 

3,18 

3 . 58 

0,5 

11 

12  8 

11 

NW 

Juno 

50 . 0 

70.0 

4S 

5 

102 

191 1 

30 

12 

1897 

18 

3 . 03 

5 . 00 

T 

9 

14  8 

8 

S 

July 

C.-t . 3 

71 . 9 

53 

5 

108 

1901 

15 

20 

1903 

1 

2.98 

4.35 

T 

9 

15  9 

7 

w 

.Ausust .... 

02 . 5 

72,0 

52 

5 

100 

1913 

21 

25 

1904 

10 

2.85 

3.45 

0 

9 

14  9 

8 

NW 

September 

50 , 2 

05 , 9 

40 

7 

99 

1900 

8 

10 

1899 

13 

3 . 20 

4.34 

0.1 

9 

12  8 

10 

NW 

Gctober.  . . 

■t-t.5 

52 . 0 

30 

(> 

90 

1897 

1 

—3 

1905 

29 

2.77 

3.10 

2.3 

10 

10  7 

14 

NW 

November . 

31 .1 

38 . 0 

25 

0 

78 

1903 

1 & 3 

— 17 

1897 

27 

2.47 

2.80 

12.5 

10 

7 0 

17 

NW 

December  . 

21.2 

27  7 

14 

4 

58 

1889 

29 

—35 

1898 

31 

2.15 

2.42 

17.2 

11 

7 6 

18 

NW 

Average  of 

extremes 

39.8 

48,7 

30 

8 

108 

1901 

7-15 

— 49 

1899 

2-7 

2.55 

3.36 

74.0 

115 

132  90 

143 

N W 

GENERAL  CLIMATIC  DATA. 
Northern  Section. 


Month. 

Temperature — Degrees  Fahrenheit. 

Precipitation 
in  inches. 

Number  of  days. 

Mean. 

Mean  maximum. 

Mean  minimum. 

Highest. 

Year. 

Day. 

Lowest. 

Year. 

Day. 

i 

Average  total. 

Greatest  in  24 
hours. 

Total  snowfall 
[unmelted.] 

AVith  .01,  or  more 
of  precipitation. 

Clear. 

Partly  cloudy. 

Cloudy. 

Prevailing  winds. 

January . . . 

20.0 

27.5 

12.4 

59 

1908 

2 

—39 

1899 

31 

2.27 

3.20 

17.5 

10 

6 

7 . 18 

SW 

February . . 

17.8 

26.7 

8.8 

65 

1899 

19 

— 49 

1899 

11 

1.80 

3.05 

15.1 

9 

8 

8 12 

NW 

March .... 

27.4 

36.9 

17.9 

83 

1910 

29 

—35 

1890 

6 

1 .97 

2.50 

9.0 

8 

12 

8 11 

NW 

April 

41.1 

51.9 

30.8 

93 

1899 

29 

— 11 

1911 

2 

2.13 

2.56 

3.6 

7 

12 

8 i 10 

NW 

May 

52.3 

63.6 

40.8 

98 

1895 

29 

10 

1900 

4 

2.96 

3.50 

0.8 

9 

11 

10  10 

NW 

June 

63.2 

75.2 

51.2 

106 

1887 

28 

21 

1891 

5 

2.63 

4.80 

T 

7 

14 

9 - 7 

SW 

July 

67.4 

79.4 

55.4 

103  1 

1901 

1910 

2 } 

25 

1898 

11 

2.71 

4.00 

0 

7 

15 

10  ! 6 

SW 

August .... 

65.2 

76.8 

53.5 

103 

1891 

8 

22 

1887 

25 

2.63 

5.87 

0 

14 

10  : 7 

SW 

September 

58.8 

70.2 

47.7 

101 

1891 

20 

15 

1894 

24 

2.83 

4.60 

T 

8 

12 

9 , 9 

SW 

October.  . . 

47.0 

56.7 

37.4 

90 

1910 

6 

4 

1887 

30 

2.66 

4.00 

1.2 

8 

10 

8 1 13 

NW 

N ovember . 

34.8 

42.0 

29.6 

77  1 

1903 

1911 

12  } 

—6  1 

1895 

1904 

21  \ 
28  / 

2.52 

2.40 

8.3 

9 

6 

7 ' 17 

SW 

[ 

1897 

24 

December . 

24.9 

31.6 

18.2 

66 

1891 

23 

—22 

1903 

26  1 

2.19 

3.92 

14.3 

10 

6 

7 18 

SW 

1 

1904 

13  J 

Aver’ges  or 

extremes. . 

43.3 

53.2 

33.6 

106 

1887 

6-28 

—49 

1899 

2-11 

29.30 

4.80 

69.8 

99 

126 

IDl  138 

SW 

62 


MICHIGAN 


GENERAL  CLIMATIC  DATA. 
Central  Section. 


Month. 

Temperature — Degrees  Fahrenheit. 

Precipitation 
in  inches. 

Number  of  days. 

Mean. 

Mean  maximum. 

Mean  minimum. 

1 Highest. 

A’ear. 

Day. 

Lowest. 

Year. 

Day. 

Average  total. 

Greatest  in  24 

hours. 

Total  snowfall 

[unmelted.] 

With  .01,  or  more 

of  i)recipitation.  1 

Clear. 

Partly  cloudy. 

Cloudy. 

Prevailing  winds. 

•lamiar.v . . . 

22.2 

29.9 

14.8 

62 

1907 

10 

—31 

1893 

15 

2.26 

4.90 

12.3 

8 

6 

8 

17 

SW 

Eebriiary. . 

20 . ,5 

29.3 

11.9 

64 

1900 

8 

—36 

1899 

11 

1.89 

3.35 

24.0 

7 

7 

8 

13 

SW 

March .... 

30.7 

40.1 

22.0 

84 

1905 

—15 

1890 

6,  7 

2.08 

2.70 

6.6 

7 

9 

10 

12 

SW 

April 

43.9 

54 . 6 

33.4 

90 

1899 

29,  30 

— 2 

1899 

1 

2.39 

3.00 

1.8 

7 

11 

9 

10 

SW 

May 

.55.5 

66.7 

43.6 

96 

1911 

20 

17 

1903 

1 

3.37 

4.10 

0.2 

9 

11 

11 

9 

SW 

June 

65.7 

77.6 

53.4 

101 

1888 

19 

25 

1907 

4 

2.67 

4.42 

0 

7 

14 

10 

6 

SW 

July 

70.0 

81.9 

57 . 5 

110 

1911 

2 

31 

1900 

3 

2.65 

5.13 

0 

7 

16 

11 

4 

SW 

August .... 

67.5 

79.7 

55.4 

100 

1900 

5 

30 

1894 

23 

2.. 57 

3 . 53 

0 

6 

15 

11 

5 

SW 

September 

61.2 

72.9 

49.4 

98 

1898 

3 

19 

1893 

29 

2.79 

5.50 

T 

7 

13 

10 

7 

SW 

1896 

27 

1897 

1 

October.  . . 

48.8 

59.2 

38.5 

88 

1898 

3 

10 

1887 

26 

2.64 

4.00 

0.4 

7 

11 

9 

11 

SW 

1900 

5-6 

1901 

4 

November. 

36.7 

44.6 

29.0 

77 

1888 

1911 

1 1 
11 

—6 

1905 

21 

2.37 

3.51 

4.2 

8 

7 

8 

15 

SW 

December.. 

26.9 

33.8 

20.1 

66 

1909 

5 

—18 

1895 

13 

2.10 

3.82 

9.2 

9 

5 

8 

18 

SW 

Aver’ges  or 

extremes. . 

45.8 

55.8 

35.8 

110 

1911 

7-2 

—36 

1899 

2-11 

29.78 

5.50 

58.7 

89 

125 

113 

127 

SW 

GENERAL  CLIMATIC  DATA. 
Southern  Section. 


Month. 

Temperature — Degrees  Fahrenheit. 

Precipitation 
in  inches. 

Number  of  days. 

1 

Mean. 

Mean  maximum. 

Mean  minimum. 

Highest. 

Year. 

Day. 

Lowest. 

Year. 

ci 

Q 

Average  total. 

Greatest  in  24 
hours. 

Total  snowfall 
[unmelted. j 

With  .01,  or  more 
of  precipitation. 

Chear. 

Partly  cloudy. 

Cloudy. 

Prevailing  winds. 

January. . . 

23.7 

31.1 

16.4 

70 

1906 

21 

—26 

1892 

20 

2.14 

3 . 55 

10.7 

10 

6 

8 

17 

SW 

February . . 

22.3 

30.6 

14.2 

66 

1890 

4 

—43 

1899 

12 

2.02 

2.59 

10.7 

9 

7 

8 

13 

SW 

March .... 

33.1 

42.1 

24.6 

89 

1910 

27 

—14 

1900 

12 

2.25 

2.75 

6.1 

9 

9 

10 

12 

SW 

April 

45.6 

56.3 

35.3 

94 

1899 

21,  28 

3 

1896 

3 

2.49 

4.36 

1.6 

9 

11 

9 ' 

10 

NW 

May 

57.3 

68.1 

45.9 

100 

1895 

31 

19 

1905 

1 

3.42 

5.09 

0.2 

10 

11 

11 

9 

SW 

June 

67.1 

74.2 

55.7 

101 

1894 

15,  23 

29 

1897 

2 

3.37 

5 . 89 

0 

9 

13 

11 

6 

SW 

July 

71.4 

82.7 

59.5 

107 

1911 

5 

32 

1898 

11 

2.96 

4., 59 

0 

8 

15 

11 

5 

SW 

August. . . . 

69.2 

80.7 

57.5 

104 

1890 

3 

26 

1887 

24 

2.62 

4.96 

0 

7 

15 

11  ' 

5 

SW 

September 

62.5 

73.7 

51.3 

100 

1897  1 

8,  9 
13,  14 

|2l{ 

1893 

1899 

29  1 

30  / 

2.85 

4.79 

T 

8 

13 

9 ! 

8 

SW 

October . . . 

49.9 

60.0 

39.8 

94 

1897 

1 

4 

1906 

11 

2.43 

5.30 

0.3 

8 

12 

9 , 

10 

SW 

f 

1895 

5 1 

November. 

37.6 

45.4 

29.9 

78 

1901 

2 

—5 

1891 

30 

2.72 

2.78 

4.1 

9 

7 

9 : 

14 

SW 

1 

1909 

1 1 

1 

December . 

27.6 

34.5 

20.7 

66 

1895 

19 

—22 

1909 

29 

2.31 

3.66 

9.7 

10 

6 

8 

17 

SW 

Averg’s  or 

extremes. . 

47.3 

56 . 6 

37.6 

107 

1911 

7-5 

^3 

1899 

2-12 

31.58 

5.89 

43.4 

106 

125 

114 

126 

SW 

M I (■  II  I ('  A N 


Corner  of  an  exhibit  at  a Michigan  County  Fair.  Root  crops  never  fail. 


64 


MICHIGAN 


MICIIK'.AN  A(;R1CULTURE,  its  present  status  and  wonderful 

POSvSIBILITIES. 

BY  R.  A.  SHAW, 

Dean  of  Agriculture,  Alichigan  Agricultural  College. 

INTRODUCTION. 

The  following  data  has  been  prepared  with  the  view  of  furnishing  information 
in  concise  form,  relating  to  the  agriculture  of  Michigan,  which  is  but  one  of  five  great 
industries  in  the  State.  The  data  presented,  except  where  otherwise  indicated,  has 
been  procured  from  the  report  of  the  Thirteenth  Census  of  the  United  States  for  the 
years  1909  and  1910.  Comparatively  few  people  have  access  to  the  Census  reports, 
which  contain  such  a mass  of  detailed  data,  that  their  common  use  for  reference  by 
individual  citizens  is  not  possible.  The  facts  hereafter  presented  are  for  the  purpose 
of  stimulating  a more  general  and  complete  appreciation  of  Alichigan,  particularly 
her  agricultural  industry  and  the  wonderful  opportunities  open  for  its  development. 

AGRICULTURE. 

The  agriculture  of  Alichigan  is  notable  because  of  its  enormous  annual  produc- 
tion and  the  unsurpassed  variety  of  its  products.  This  industry  might  well  be  divided 

into  two  groups,  viz : Agriculture  and 
horticulture,  because  of  the  promin- 
ence of  the  latter.  The  following 
ratings  in  agricultural  production  for 
the  year  1909  have  been  computed 
from  the  Thirteenth  Census  report, 
viz: 

For  the  total  number  of  animals 
on  farms,  Michigan  occupied  the  fol- 
lowing rating,  viz:  Horses  14th,  all 
cattle  15th,  dairy  cows  10th,  swine 
19th,  sheep  8th,  poultry  11th,  and  for 
colonies  of  fiees  13th.  In  making  this 
comparison,  it  should  not  be  forgotten 
that  the  state  is  pitted  against  many, 
the  chief  business  of  which  is  live 
stock  production,  and  that  as  later 
figures  will  show,  in  most  instances,  the  rating  is  raised  when  expressed  in  terms  of 
production  and  values  rather  than  in  numbers  of  animals. 


Plowing  on  a big  scale. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


(> , 

'I'lu'  lollowini^  list  iiu'luilrs  M ic■hiJ^^'ln's  ('cfi'.'ils  ;iii(l  other  held  erop:^,  inehidiiij^ 
tlu'  i':ilin^  of  tlu'  slati'  amoiii.:;  all  othc'rs  fi'oin  the  slaii(li)oint.  ol  crop  \'ahi.'Lt,ions  for 
\-iz:  ('oi'n  15lh.  wlu'at  12th,  oats  hih,  barley  11th,  rye  Is.t,,  biiekwheaf  Ard, 
tlr\'  inlible  beans  1st,  dry  pi’as  2nd,  ^rass  si'eds  6fh,  llower  and  vej^elable  seed  6lh, 
hay  and  forar,a'  Sth,  ])otatoc'S  dth,  (second  in  yield),  vejj;(‘tables  7fh,  suj'ar  bc-ets  drd, 
chicory  1st,  and  mint  IsL  'Phis  lone  list  includes  a wide  ranj^c  of  products  of  hij^h 
utilitarian  value,  prcsi'utine  in  eciu'ral  a hi^h  ralinj^. 

Acuici’ia ruAi.  lands. 

In  aililition  to  the  very  favorable  ])lace  Michij^an  occupies  rej^arding  her  industries 
and  aerieultural  pnHluels,  there  is  still  ercat  o])p()rtunitics  for  (lcvclo])incnt,  for  as 
yet  only  51.5  ])er  cent  of  the  total  land  area  of  Michigan  is  included  in  farms,  with 
enormous  areas  of  good  land  remaining  to  be  reclaimed. 


Modern  method  of  working  a big  farm  in  Michigan. 


Michigan  ranks  twenty-first  in  land  area  among  the  48  states  of  this  country, 
and  eighth  in  population  with  2,810,173  inhabitants.  This  means  that  the  State 
is  only  slightly  above  the  average  size  for  the  entire  number,  and  is  only  about  one- 
thirt^^-sixth  larger  than  Iowa,  Illinois,  Wisconsin  or  Florida;  fifty-three  times  larger 
than  Rhode  Island,  and  less  than  one-fourth  the  size  of  Texas. 

The  gross  area  of  the  State  of  Michigan  is  about  57,980  square  miles,  including 
500  square  miles  of  water  surface.  In  comparison  with  this,  the  combined  land  areas 
of  England  and  Wales  is  58,575  square  miles,  with  a population  of  36,075,269,  these 
figures  forming  the  basis  of  comparison  with  a European  country. 

The  approximate  land  area  of  Michigan  is  36,787,000  acres,  and  of  this  amount 
18,940,614  acres  only  are  included  in  farms,  while  12,832,078  acres  are  classified  as 
improved  lands.  Expressing  these  facts  in  the  form  of  percentages,  they  appear  as 
follows,  viz : Extent  of  land  area  in  farms,  5 1.5  per  cent : per  cent  of  farm  land  improved, 
67.8;  and  per  cent  of  entire  land  area  of  the  State  improved  for  agricultural  produc- 

5 


66 


M I C II  I G A N 


lion,  34.9.  For  purposes  of  comparison,  Iowa,  one  of  the  richest  and  most  exclusively 
agricultural  states  in  the  country,  includes  a total  of  35,575,040  acres,  of  which  95  per 
cent  is  in  farms,  with  86  per  cent  of  the  farm  land  in  the  improved  class.  In  the  case 
of  Iowa,  therefore,  her  lands  are  almost  entirely  being  used  for  agricultural  purposes; 
she  has  little,  but  5 per  cent,  of  unoccupied  land  to  reclaim  and  her  efforts  must  be 
directed  toward  the  improvement  of  present  acquisitions,  which  is  not  true  of  Michigan 
with  48.5  per  cent  of  her  land  area  not  yet  included  in  farms. 


Harvesting  scene. 


MICHIGAN  UNIQUE  AGRICULTURALLY. 

The  position  of  Michigan  in  relation  to  her  sister  states  is  really  unique.  Though 
not  a new  state,  in  the  sense  of  those  to  the  westward,  there  still  remains  great  possi- 
bilities for  agricultural  development  in  the  state,  in  addition  to  the  improvement 
of  those  portions  long  ago  reclaimed.  It  would  be  easily  possible  for  citizens  of  other 
states,  and  perhaps  some  of  our  own,  to  assume,  that  because  settlement  began  at 
an  early  date  in  the  state,  that  all  the  good  land  had  already  been  occupied,  and  that 
the  portion  not  under  cultivation  is  of  little  or  no  use  for  agricultural  purposes.  On 
the  contrary,  there  are  no  better  opportunities  offered  anywhere  today,  for  invest- 
ments in  farm  lands,  than  in  the  state  of  Michigan  where  prices  at  present  are  much 
lower  than  in  adjacent  states  where  similar  soils  and  conditions  exist.  The  48.5  per 
cent  of  Michigan  land,  not  in  farms,  is  not  all  sandy  or  rocky  or  swampy  by  any 
means;  there  are  enormous  areas  of  good  land  not  yet  under  cultivation. 

CONDITIONS  UNFAVORABLE  TO  EARLY  DEVELOPMENT. 

Among  the  many  questions  which  arise  upon  perusal  of  the  foregoing  data, 
probably  the  most  general  one  is,  why  have  the  agricultural  possibilities  of  Michigan 
not  been  developed  ere  this,  considering  the  early  date  at  which  the  settlement  of 
the  country  began?  As  Michigan  was  originally  a timbered  area,  the  development 
of  its  agriculture  has  been  slow,  which  is  also  true  of  other  states  under  like  conditions. 
Suitable  conditions  for  crop  production  did  not  exist,  they  had  to  be  produced  slowly 
and  laboriously,  at  the  sacrifice  of  an  enormous  amount  of  muscular  energy.  The 
rich  storehouse  of  soil  fertility  was  firmly  locked  by  the  tenacious  grip  of  the  roots 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


67 


tif  llu'  oak,  inaplr,  hi'i'C'h,  basswood,  (‘Im,  and  pities,  in  fact.,  l)y  <'i  ;^reat  variel.y  of  both 
dt'eidnous  and  eonib'fons  Inn'S.  'Plu'Si'  obstriclcs  had  to  be  reniovetl  before  crop  and 
live  stock  proihudion  could  bcj^in.  ( )n  Hk*  ollu'r  hand,  however,  with  the?  extension 
of  nunu'rons  jJiri'at  railroad  systcans  into  IIk'  prairii*  states  to  the  westward,  vast  areas 
wi'rc  made  a\-ailabli'  to  tlu'  plow.  'I'hc  sini])lc  overturning^  of  the  pr.airie  sod  {)rf>iluccd 
suitable  conditions  for  tlu'  production  of  corn,  wheat,  and  oats  in  abundance,  which, 
eouibinetl  with  the  ^reat  wealth  of  natund  grasses,  established  conditions  for  the  cheap 
production  of  caionuous  tiuantitics  of  cereals,  meat,  milk,  and  wool,  which  at  once  became 
competitive  factors  and  which  have  for  years  pinched  Michigan  farmers  with  keenest 
of  competition,  forcing  a curtailment  of  agricultural  dcveloyiment.  d'his  competition 
has  almost  become  a thing  of  the  yiast,  for  the  best  of  the  western  agricultural  lands 
have  been  put  under  cultivation,  while  the  excessive  surpluses  of  farm  products  are 
no  longer  to  be  feared  owing  to  the  rapidity  with  which  consumption  is  overtaking 
production,  esyiecially  within  the  bounds  of  our  own  country. 


Threshing  scene. 


MICHIGAN  FARMS  AND  FARM  PROPERTY. 

The  following  data,  procured  from  the  last  U.  S.  Census  report,  gives  the  values 
of  Michigan  farms  and  farm  property  in  1910,  viz.: 


Land $615,258,348  56.5% 

Buildings 285,879,951  26.2% 

Implements  and  machinery 49,916,285  4.6% 

Domestic  animals,  poultry  and  bees 137,803,795  12.7% 


Total $1,088,858,379 


Of  the  sum  of  $1,088,858,379,  including  the  total  agricultural  valuations  of  the 
state,  56.5  per  cent  represents  land  values,  26.2  per  cent  buildings,  12.7  per  cent 
domestic  animals,  poultry  and  bees  and  4.6  per  cent  implements. 

These  enormous  valuations,  when  compared  with  those  of  an  almost  purely  agri- 
cultural state,  such  as  Iowa,  are  a trifle  under  one-third  less.  We  must  not  however, 
lose  sight  of  the  fact  that  only  51.5  per  cent  of  jMichigan  land  is  now  in  farms,  and  that 
the  state  has  four  distinctive  industries  beside  agriculture,  the  products  of  our  manu- 
factures alone  being  two  and  six-tenths  times  greater  than  those  of  Iowa  for  1910. 


68 


MICHIGAN 


'riie  increase  in  total  value  of  Micliigan  farm  property  during  the  past  decade 
of  the  ])resent  century  amounted  to  57.7  per  cent,  a much  greater  increase  than  has 
oecurred  any  decade  since  1870.  Even  yet,  however,  Miehigan  farms  are  changing 
hands  at  figures  from  20  to  35  per  cent  lower  than  for  similar  lands  in  neighboring 
states  to  the  south  and  west.  The  average  value  per  acre  of  Miehigan  farm  land  in 
1910  is  given  as  $32.48,  eight  eents  above  the  average  for  the  entire  eountry. 


Farm  home  m Northern  Michigan. 


NUMBER  OF  FARMS. 

In  1910  there  were  206,960  farms  in  Miehigan,  varying  in  size  from  3 acres  to 
1,000  acres  and  over.  From  1850  to  1880  the  number  of  farms  increased  at  the  rate 
of  3,997  per  year,  while  from  this  time  on  to  1900,  the  increase  dropped  to  2,463  per 
year.  During  the  ten  years  preceding  1910  the  annual  increase  amounted  to  370 
farms  only.  The  total  aereage  of  farm  land  improved  has  risen  but  slightly  since 
1900. 


AVERAGE  ACREAGE  PER  FARM. 


The  average  acreage  of  Michigan  farms  decreased  from  128  acres  in  1850,  to 
85.8  acres  in  1890,  inereasing  by  1910  to  91.5  acres.  The  various  sizes  of  Miehigan 

farms  are  distributed  approximately 
as  follows,  viz.:  20  acres  and  under, 
7.1  per  cent;  20  to  49  acres  nearly  25 
per  eent;  50  to  99  acres  about  35  per 
eent  and  100  to  174  acres  25  per  cent. 
Fort}^  eighty  and  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acre  tracts  comprise  five-sixths  of 
the  farms  of  the  state.  The  average 
size  for  all  farms  in  the  United  States 
in  1910  was  138.1  acres. 


Another  Michigan  farm. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


<>•) 


M \IUS  Ol'  LAND  Nor  IN  I AUMS. 

'I'lu'  -IS. 5 pt'r  I'lMit  of  Mii-hi^Mii  land  not  in  farms  exists  IarK<‘ly  nndcr  the  follovvinj^ 
eonditions,  \’i/-:  (1)  As  land  t'o\a'red  with  standinj.j  linihers;  (2)  ent.  over  timh(;r  hands; 
(a)  satul  ari'as;  and  (1)  lands  as  yi't  nnrca'lainu'd  by  drainajf{'. 

'I'he  lands  of  jj;roni)  ( 1)  ai\'  held  in  varying  acreaj^es  by  privates  parties,  companies 
and  corporations,  eontrt)llin^  lands  in  some  instances  by  hnndreds  of  thousands  of 
acres.  In  most  instances  these  larjj;e  ort^anizations  are  interested  primarily  in  timber 
t)r  mineral  resonrees  or  both,  and  are  interested  in  agricultural  develo])mcnt  only  in 
so  far  as  tlu'  tinal  disposal  of  the  land  is  concerned,  d'he  removal  of  the  timf^er  in 
the  eommereial  ])roduelion  of  lumber  is  rapidly  placing  on  the  market  lands  with 
gcMxl  agricultural  ])ossibilities.  d'hese  lands  can  be  reclaimed  more  economically 
and  satisfactorily  if  the  reclamation  begins  soon  after  the  timber  is  first  removed; 
sueceeiling  forest  growths  make  the  work  more  and  more  difficult  as  the  years  go  by. 

('.roup  (2)  includes  large  areas  of  so-called  cut-over  lands  in  the  state,  comprising 
areas  of  two  distinct  types,  viz.:  Those  on  which  hardwoods  grew  and  those  pro- 
ducing pines  and  other  conifers.  Stump  lands  upon  which  hardwood  timber  grew, 
if  promptly  rough-burned  and  seeded  to  a mixture  of  grasses  and  legumes,  and  then 
pastured  for  a few  years  until  the  stumps  decay,  may  be  rapidly  and  cheaply  reclaimed 
for  grazing  and  crop  growing. 

A larger  portion  of  the  lands  in  the  state,  comprising  group  (vS)  will  undoubtedly 
be  utilized  than  is  at  present  anticipated.  For  this  purpose,  fruit  growing  is  being 
resorted  to  where  the  conditions  are  peculiarly  suitable.  These  very  light  lands,  instead 
of  being  fanned  intensively  in  small  areas,  will  some  day  undoubtedly  be  operated 
in  large  tracts  and  utilized  for  grazing  purposes,  when  the  proper  methods  of  handling, 
seeding  and  improvement  are  solved,  which  they  surely  will  be.  The  sand  areas, 
underlaid  with  a clay  subsoil  near  the  surface,  give  promise  of  usefulness  for  horticul- 
tural and  crop  production,  as  well  as  for  grazing  purposes.  Where  the  sand  exists 
as  such  without  a clay  subsoil,  as  heretofore  referred  to,  the  problem  of  agricultural 
production  is  still  an  unsolved  one.  It  is  a great  misfortune  for  Alichigan,  that  some 
of  her  pure  sand  lands  have  been  sold  by  unscrupulous  speculators  to  city  citizens, 
who  have  been  parted  from  their  savings  of  years  and  left  without  experience  or  a 
soil  with  which  to  recoup  their  lost  savings.  Experienced  farmers  could  not  make 
a living  on  these  types  of  soils  by  operating  small  areas  only,  and  could  not  be  induced 
to  buy  them  in  this  way.  It  is  unfortunate  that  people,  particularly  those  without 
experience,  will  persist  in  buying  poor  lands  without  even  seeing  them  or  making 
inquiry  of  responsible  people.  It  is  also  equally  unfortunate  that  the  laws  of  our 
country  do  not  afford  protection  from  the  misrepresentations  of  the  dishonest 
speculator. 

It  may  be  said  of  group  (4)  that  the  possibilities  of  increasing  agricultural  pro- 
duction, in  Michigan,  by  drainage,  are  practically  equal  to  the  possibilities  of  increased 
crop  production  in  the  average  arid  state  of  the  West.  The  reclaimable,  tillable 
swamp  and  overflow  acreage  in  Michigan,  according  to  recent  estimates  of  the  Bureau 
of  Statistics,  amounts  to  4,400,000  acres.  In  respect  to  the  swamp  land  area,  Michi- 


70 


MICHIGAN 


gan  ranks  sixth  among  the  states.  In  this  one  reclamation  project  alone,  there  are 
great  possibilities  in  the  state.  Cooperative  effort  has  already  greatly  increased  the 
prodnctivcncss  and  value  of  low-lying  farm  lands  by  means  of  township  and  county 
drainage  systems.  The  recovery  of  Michigan  low-lying  lands,  as  far  as  the  work  has 
progressed,  demonstrates  their  unusual  value  for  production  because  of  the  peculiari- 
ties of  their  formation  and  composition,  geographical  location  and  peculiarly  favorable 
climatic  conditions,  resulting  in  large  part  from  environmental  influences,  such  as 
contiguity  to  large  bodies  of  water.  Most  of  these  lands,  when  reclaimed,  produce 
some  kinds  of  farm  crops  and  are  adapted  particularly  to  specialized  crops  of  high 
value,  such  as  garden  truck,  root  crops,  peppermint,  onions,  celry,  etc.,  thus  increasing 
the  resources  of  the  state  by  adding  both  to  variety  and  wealth. 


A prosperous  farming  section  in  the  Upper  Peninsula. 


THE  UPPER  PENINSULA. 

The  land  area  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  includes  10,682,240  acres,  a little  less  than 
one-third  of  the  entire  state.  In  1909  the  land  area  in  farms  amounted  to  913,784 
acres  of  which  340,602  acres  were  improved.  The  number  of  farms  at  that  time  was 
8,994. 

The  following  interesting  data  was  procured  from  a report  of  the  Upper  Penin- 
sula Development  Bureau  dated  October  15th,  1913,  procured  largely  from  super- 
visors and  in  some  instances  township  clerks.  Their  report  covers  the  year  beginning 
May  1st,  1912.  During  this  year  the  number  of  families  locating  on  farms  in  fifteen 
Upper  Peninsula  counties  was  1,770;  acres  of  land  sold  for  farming  purposes  132,360 


MICHIGAN 


71 


aiul  timhi'T  laiul  sold  aa7,21S  acres.  'I'lu'  follovvinj^  iVnil  trees  were  |)latil,ed,  vi/.: 
AppU'S,  SiS,S5‘>,  elu'rries,  l(),II2:  and  |)lnms,  SJOd,  At  tliis  lime  there  were  761 
seliools,  of  whit'll  15  wert'  or^s'itii/t'd  in  1612;  th('  total  school  atlendanee.  was  52,618. 
'I'his  part  of  tlu'  statt'  inelndi'd  5S2  ehnrelu'S.  l)nrin;.^  the  year  $586,816  was  spent 
on  roads,  iiu'lndinij;  1,566']  tnilt'S  of  }j;rav('l  and  maead.'im.  Stale  roads  inelndetl  65{ 
mill's  and  county  roads  567.',  miles. 

'I'he  oiiport unities  for  agricultural  development  in  the  counties  of  the  Ufiyier 
IVniusula  of  Michigan  are  very  great,  indeed.  In  this  area,  according  to  the  census  rc- 
l)ort,  no  etninty  except  Menominee  has  more  than  20  ])cr  cent  of  its  land  in  farms,  d'his 
portion  of  Michigan  will  some  day  be  dcvclo]iC(l  into  a veritable  agricultural  cm[)ire. 
Contrary  to  a somewhat  widespread  opinion  that  this  part  of  the  state  consists  of  an 
alternation  of  rocky  wastes  and  swamps,  there  is  to  be  found  there  some  of  the  finest 
agricultural  land  in  the  state.  It  is  a land  of  great  possibilities  for  the  production 
of  legumes,  pasture,  and  root  erops,  and  is,  therefore,  devStined  to  become  a notable 
dairy  district. 


ITT 


Mortgage  lifters. 


MICHIGAN  FARM  MORTGAGES  NOT  BURDENSOME. 

Of  the  total  number  of  farms  owned,  in  whole  or  in  part  by  the  operators  in  Michigan, 
including  a total  of  172,310  in  1910,  51.8  per  cent  were  found  to  be  free  from  mortgage 
and  48.2  per  cent  mortgaged.  These  percentages  do  not  differ  materially  from  those  pre- 
sented for  some  of  the  richest  agricultural  states  in  the  country,  in  fact  the  percentage 
of  mortgaged  farms  is  highest  in  two  of  the  richest  agricultural  states  in  the  country. 


72 


MICHIGAN 


Corn  13  feet  6 inches  high 


M I (•  II  I C A \ 


7 < 


This  field  was  full  woods  in  1907.  In  1909  this  oat  crop  was  grown,  yielding  93  bushels  per  acre. 


74  M I C II  I G A N 

The  percentage  of  similarly  owned  farms  mortgaged,  in  the  United  States  in  1910 
was  33.6  i)cr  cent.  h''arm  mortgaging  should  not  be  regarded  as  an  ill  omen,  pro- 
viding the  indebtedness  has  been  incurred  in  a legitimate  way  from  proper  motives. 
It  is  regrettable  when  resulting  from  disastrous  crop  failures,  losses  from  disease, 
fire,  flood,  etc.,  and  is  dc])lorable  when  resulting  from  poor  management,  questionable 
speculation  or  dissipation.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  however,  reasonable  indebtedness 
is  incurred,  as  a result  of  land  acquirement,  equipment,  improvement,  etc.,  the  act 
is  commcndal)le  and  stimulates  the  young  man  particularly  to  increased  effort  and 
the  employment  of  Ijetter  business  methods.  Under  these  conditions  the  burden 
of  indebtedness  should  be  carried  with  the  head  erect,  looking  the  world  square  in  the 
face  without  any  trace  of  shamefaced  ness.  The  ratio  of  mortgage  debt  to  farm  value 
in  Michigan  is  not  a burdensome  one,  being  only  30.3  per  cent  in  1910.  It  is  true 
that  the  financial  indebtedness  may  be  one  of  two  chief  obstacles  standing  in  the  way 
of  agricultural  improvement,  unless  the  individual  is  at  least  an  average  business 
man,  favored  with  a series  of  years  of  normal  crop  production.  The  necessity  for  a 
substantial,  continuous  yearly  cash  income,  to  meet  interest  payments  and  reduce 
principal,  may  prevent  the  farmer  from  providing  adequate  equipment,  introducing 
live  stock,  establishing  the  be.st  rotations  and  employing  various  other  improved 
systems,  which  he  himself  would  like  to  do  if  he  had  the  means.  It  is  unfortunate 
that  recent  miethods  of  land  purchase,  under  the  contract  system,  tempt  men  to  assume 
far  too  great  financial  obligations. 


Rye  six  feet  tall. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


7> 


MICIlKiAN  NOT  A SrA'I'I-;  Ol'  KICN'II';!)  KAKMS. 

A wroii}^  iiupivssioii  prevails  with  rc'^^anl  to  farm  tenure  in  the  state.  'I'he  last 
eensus  report  gives  the  following  data,  viz.:  Per  eent  of  farms  operated  by  owners 
and  managers  S4.2,  tenants  15.8;  of  the  tenant  class  10.3  i)er  cent  operate  on  the 
share  and  share-cash  system,  5.5  per  cent  including  cash  and  non-Sf)Ccined.  In  view 
of  the  small  percentage  coming  under  the  ])urcly  tenant  system  the  state  is  not 
sulTering  greatly  from  the  evils  usually  accom])anying  the  practice. 


MICHIGAN  CROP  PRODUCTION. 

In  1000  according  to  the  report  of  the  Census  Bureau,  the  total  crop  area  of  Mich- 
igan was  8,108,578  acres,  the  products  of  which  were  valued  at  $162,005,000.  Of 
the  12,832,078  acres  of 
improved  land  in  Mich- 
igan during  the  year  63.0 
per  cent  produced  crops. 

(The  Census  reports  con- 
tained ' the  number  of 
trees,  vines,  etc.,  rather 
than  acreage  for  orchard 
fruits,  grapes,  nuts,  etc.) 

During  1900  the  total 
area  of  cereal  crops  grown 
in  the  state  was  4,  415,620  acres,  producing  121,862,638  bushels,  valued  at  $70,544,250, 
distributed  among  the  various  crops  as  follows,  viz: 


Nineteen  acres  produced  675  bushels  of  wheat. 


Acres  harvested.  Yield  bushels.  Value. 


Corn 1,580,506  52,006,842  $20,580,029 

Oats 1,429,076  43,869,502  18,506,195 

Wheat 802,137  16,025,791  16,586,868 

Emmer  or  spelt 6,742  154,103  97,414 

Barley 93,065  2,132,101  1,232,344 

Buckwheat 75,909  958,119  594,748 

Rye 419,020  5,814,394  3,944,616 

Kafhr  corn 84  1,786  1,136 


The  above  figures  are  given  in  detail,  being  of  general  interest.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  two  of  the  crop  products  listed  above,  the  valuations  run  into  the  hundreds 
of  thousands  of  dollars. 


76 


M 1 C 1 1 I G A N 


CORN,  OATS,  WHEAT,  RYE  AND  BARLEY. 

In  order  of  total  acreage  and  valuation,  the  leading  cereal  cro])S  rank  as  follows 
in  order  of  importance,  viz.:  corn,  oats,\[wheat,  rye,  and  barley.  Corn  included 

one-third  of  the  total  area  of  all  cereal 
crops  for  the  year  and  two-fifths  of 
their  value;  it  was  reported  on  161,901 
farms  and  the  corn  growing  area, 
hitherto  limited  to  the  southern  part 
of  the  lower  peninsula,  has  gradually 
worked  its  way  northward,  even  to 
the  shores  of  Lake  Superior.  The 
acreage  of  wheat  is  about  half  that 
of  corn  and  includes  2,745  acres  of 
the  spring  variety  and  61  acres  of 
the  macaroni.  Increased  live  stock 
production,  with  the  ensuing  appli- 
cation of  stable  manures  and  use  of 
suitable  crop  rotations,  will  extend, 
rather  than  retard  wheat  production 
in  the  state.  Michigan  is  notable 
for  rye  production,  because  of  its 
usefulness  in  procuring  new  seedings 
of  clover  and  other  legumes  and  grasses, 
and  on  account  of  its  usefulness  for 
feed  and  bedding,  and  also  because 
of  its  adaptability  to  the  lighter  types 
of  soils.  Suitable  soil  and  climate 
conditions  would  permit  of  marked 
extension  of  the  barley  growing  in- 
dustry. Oats  are  reported  by  70  per 
cent  of  the  farms  of  the  state,  wheat  by  40  per  cent,  barley  by  10  per  cent,  and  rye 
and  beans  by  about  25  per  cent.  Southern  Michigan  soil  and  climate  conditions  have 
proven  well  suited  to  buckwheat  production;  it  has  a promising  future  in  the  state. 


OTHER  GRAINS  AND  SEEDS. 

The  following  statement  includes  the  amounts  of  “Other  grains  and  seeds,” 
produced  in  Michigan  in  1909,  viz.:  Dry  edible  beans,  5,282,511  bushels;  dry  peas, 
1,162,403  bushels;  clover  seed,  138,289  bushels;  timothy  seed,  10,682  bushels;  flax 
seed,  2,943  bushels;  millet  seed,  2,226  bushels;  peanuts,  1,111  bushels;  alfalfa  seed, 
203  bushels;  other  tame  grass  seed  167  bushels;  sunflower  seed,  40  bushels;  and  gin- 
seng seed  valued  at  $562.  The  total  value  of  the  products  of  this  class  amounts 


M I ( ' 1 1 I ( ; A \ 


/ / 


Red  Clawson  wheat  raised  on  newly  cleared  land.  Yield  51  bushels  per  acre. 


8 


MICHIGAN 


'^*  ■'  'J  v>*Aibi 

•l®-»l'l!.lS%isS!<:S 


i^v> 


Abundant  crops  of  hay  are  the  rule  in  Michigan. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


V) 


to  $ 1 2,025, (>-2.  cl  whii'li 

sum  bi'.'ms  aloiu'  make  up 
$0,7  1 (),,•> 1 5,  wliiU'  tli'v  p('as 
woi'o  worth  $1  ,vV>7,-l50, 
t'loN'i'f  si'oil  $0|(),.|SS  aiul 
timothy  sooil  $I0,1()().  'I'hu 
opportuuit ios  for  ('xlc'iuliu^ 
the  product iou  of  soc'd  pt'as, 
clover  atul  other  legumes 
within  the  state  are  ex- 
co])tioually  great,  as  the 
future  develo])ment  of 
northern  lands  will  add 
very  materially  to  the  products  of  the  southerly  portions. 

The  following  table  gives  Alichigan’s  rating  in  acreage,  production  and  values: 


Corn 

Acreage. 

20th 

Production. 

14th 

Value. 

15th 

Wheat 

13 

12 

12 

Oats 

10 

9 

9 

Bariev 

12 

11 

11 

Rye 

1 

1 

1 

Buckwheat 

3 

3 

3 

Drv  edible  beans 

1 

1 

1 

Dry  peas 

4 

2 

2 

Grass  seeds 

11 

6 

Hav  and  forage 

13 

13 

8 

Potatoes 

2 

2 

4 

Vegetables 

7 

7 

Sugar  beets 

3 

3 

3 

Chicorv 

1 

1 (pounds) 

1 

Alint 

1 

1 (pounds) 

1 

HAY,  FORAGE,  SOILING  AND  ROOT  CROPS. 

Hay,  forage,  soiling  and  root  crops  (not  including  sugar  beets)  are  reported  from 
170,956  farms,  including  a total  area  of  2,715,301  acres,  producing  3,632,939  tons, 
valued  at  $36,040,087.  Timothy  and  clover  mixed  included  1,625,229  acres,  which 
produced  1,991,618  tons,  valued  at  $21,276,325.  Timothy  alone  stood  second,  cover- 
749,563  acres,  with  a product  of  929,165  tons,  valued  at  $10,499,364.  Clover  alone 
was  third  in  area  with  168,180  acres,  the  product  being  216,862  tons,  worth  $2,103,819. 
The  other  crops  in  this  class  include  alfalfa,  millet,  tame  and  wild  grasses,  soiling  crops, 
coarse  forage  and  root  crops.  Since  the  date  of  this  census  the  alfalfa  area  of  the 
state  has  been  extended  enormously  invading  every  county  of  the  state.  Despite 


First  cutting  of  alfalfa. 


so  Ml  ('UK';  AN 

the  fact  tliat  Micliij^aii  caaiditions  arc  ])rccniinently  a(]a])tc(l,  only  770  acres  of  root 
cro])s,  otlicr  than  beets  for  siij^ar  manufacture,  arc  reported;  thf)ugh  corn  ensilage 
may  be  made  to  re])laee  root  crops  in  large  ])art  for  stock  feed,  it  still  remains  a fact 
thc'y  are  not  grown  nor  a])preeiatcd  by  the  stockman  as  they  should  be. 


I 


Michigan  ranks  1st  in  production  of  beans. 


An  attractive  field  of  buckwheat. 


M I ( ' I I I ( ; A .\’ 


,1 


Michigan  ranks  second  (1913)  among  all  the  states  in  the  production  of  Sugar  beets. 
C 


82  MICHIGAN 


SUGAR  BEETS. 

In  1909  Michigan  produced  78,779  acres  of  sugar  beets,  yielding  707,639  tons, 
worth  $4,014,123.  It  is  reported  that  the  sugar  manufactured  from  this  crop  was 
wortli  $1 0,476,876.  Michigan  lias  an  enormous  area  of  soil  suited  to  sugar  beet  produc- 
tions, distributed  throughout  all  parts  of  the  state  which,  combined  with  suitable 
climatic  conditions  and  possibilities  of  suital)le  crop  rotation,  offers  splendid  oppor- 
tunity for  tlie  extension  of  the  industry. 

SUNDRY  CROPS. 

The  value  of  sundry  crops  in  1909  was  $10,170,284,  including  Irish  and  sweet 
potato,  tobacco,  hops,  broom  corn,  ginseng  root,  chicory  and  peppermint  oil.  The  potato 
area  alone  comprised  365,483  acres,  yielding  38,243,828  bushels,  worth  $9,913,778. 
During  this  year  the  state  grew  6,292  acres  of  peppermint,  yielding  120,182  pounds  of 
oil,  valued  at  $192,801 . Michigan  produces  about  three-fifths  of  the  world’s  peppermint 
oil  supply  and  88  per  cent  of  the  total  output  of  this  country.  In  1909  this  state 
produced  1,584  acres  of  chicory,  amounting  to  19,204,000  pounds,  valued  at  $70,020. 

The  order  of  Michigan’s  staple  farm  crops  according  to  their  values  for  1909 
was  as  follows,  viz.:  (1)  Hay  and  forage,  $36,040,000;  (2)  corn,  $29,580,029;  (3)  oats, 
$18,506,195;  (4)  wheat,  $16,586,868;  (5)  potatoes,  $9,913,778;  (6)  beans,  $9,716,315; 
(7)  sugar  beets  $4,014,123  and  (8)  rye,  $3,944,616. 


(At  the  left)  Guernsey  Cattle.  (At  the  right)  stock  pens. 


LIVE  STOCK  ON  MICHIGAN  FARMS. 

In  1910  the  values  of  domestic  animals,  poultry  and  bees  on  Michigan  farms 
was  $137,803,795,  an  increase  of  74.3  per  cent  over  the  preceding  decade.  The  per- 
centage of  increase  in  values  during  this  period  for  the  different  classes  of  animals, 
was  as  follows,- viz. : For  horses,  98.6  per  cent;  cattle,  43.8  per  cent;  swine,  112percent 
and  sheep  and  lambs,  34.7  per  cent.  Cattle  valuations  are  only  about  four-sevenths  of 
those  for  horses  and  colts,  but  the  two  together  represent  80  per  cent  of  the  total  live 
stock  valuations,  swine  representing  7.1  per  cent;  sheep,  7 per  cent  and  poultry,  4.1 
per  cent.  Of  the  206,960  farms  in  Michigan,  196,655  or  95  per  cent  report  domestic 
animals  of  some  kind. 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1 1(  )i<si';s. 

Ill  1 1 0 I lu'fr  wiM'i' <> !(),(•>>.'  Ik )rsi'S and  (•( )It s on  M ichi^an  farms,  valued  al.  $7  1 ,d  1 2,47  f. 
Horses  wi'ri'  la'porli'd  on  per  ecmt.  of  the  farms  in  flu;  stall*,  hut  only  15.6  per  cent 
re]>(Hied  eolts  foaled  in  16()<),  despite  the  faet  that  hor.ses  are  both  scarce  and  liij^h 
priced.  'Phere  is  no  reason  why  a farm-work  man*,  projierly  fed  and  handled,  cannot 
pnHluee  a eood  year's  work  and  a stronj^,  vi^^orous  foal  at  the  same  time,  d'he  climate, 
soil  and  eroji  products  of  a larjj;e  portion  of  Michij^an  are  eminently  adapted  to  the 
production  of  heavy  horses,  for  which  the  market  is  so  willing  to  pay  a premium. 
Miehi.yau  is  a purchaser  rather  than  a seller  of  horses;  in  this  rcsjiect  .she  is  neglecting 
a valuable  opportunity.  At  this  writing,  though  w'e  have  jirobably  reached  the  crest 
id'  the  high  wave  of  horse  ])riccs,  the  indications  are  that  there  will  be  good  profits 
in  horse  breeding  for  some  time  to  come.  Mules  and  mule  colts  are  reported  from 
1,865  Michigan  farms,  to  the  number  of  3,700,  worth  $493,825. 

BEEF  AND  DAIRY  CATTLE. 


Cattle  numPicring  1,497,823  head,  valued  at  $40,500,318,  are  reported  on  185,081 
farms  or  89.4  percent  of  all  farms,  though  in  some  cases  the  stock  consisted  of  one  or  more 
cows  only  for  the  production  of  family 
dairy  supplies.  At  this  time  there 
was  a total  of  767,083  dairy  cows, 
worth  $29,312,252.  During  this  year 
the  dairy  products  of  Michigan  farms, 
not  including  milk  and  cream  for 
home  use,  was  $26,727,538,  rating  the 
state  in  eighth  place.  There  has  been 
a constant  increase  in  dairy  cattle  and 
their  products  in  the  state  during  the 
past  decade  and  a half.  Much  im- 
provement has  resulted  from  improved 
methods  of  breeding  through  the 
greatly  extended  use  of  pedigreed  sires, 
including  Holstein,  Guernsey  and  Jer-  Conditions  are  ideal  for  Live  Stock  and  cattle  raising 

sey  breeds.  There  never  was  such  a m Michigan. 

keen  demand  for  dairy  eattle  as  at  present,  with  priees  at  an  unprecedentedly  high 
level.  Large  areas  of  the  unreelaimed  portion  of  the  northern  part  of  the  state  are 
eminently  adapted  for  dairy  production. 

The  number  of  cattle  other  than  dairy  cows  amounted  to  730,740  head,  worth 
$11,188,076.  These  animals  were  not  all  of  the  beef  type,  as  the  classification  con- 
tained both  males  and  all  young  stock  of  both  beef  and  dairy  breeds  under  fifteen 
months  of  age.  The  number  of  dairy  cows  given  in  a preceding  paragraph,  un- 
doubtedly includes  many  grade  animals  largely  of  beef  breeding,  such  as  Shorthorn 
grades  which  are  at  least  average  milk  producers.  The  conditions  confronting  the 


84 


M I C 1 1 I ('.  A N 


settler  were  not  favorable  to  cattle  j)roduction,  for  the  country  was  heavily  timbered 
and  the  grasses  growing  within  the  forest  shades  and  along  the  water  courses  and 
swam])s  were  s])arse  in  the  former  case,  and  coarse  and  unnutritious  in  the  latter. 
The  settler  was  all  absorbed  in  land  clearing  for  crop  production  and  his  live  stock  equip- 
ment was  meagre,  consisting  of  one  or  more  cows  and  a few  pigs  and  chickens,  to 
])rovide  meat  and  milk  to  meet  the  family  necessities.  The  pioneer’s  sacrifices  in 
cro])  ])roduction  made  him  loth  to  feed  to  stock,  the  products  of  a soil  reclaimed  at 
so  nmch  personal  sacrifice.  Pedigreed  beef  cattle  were  introduced  into  Michigan 
at  early  dates,  Devons  in  1840,  Shorthorns,  184.p  Galloways,  1854;  Herefords,  1864 
and  Aberdeen  Angus  in  1884.  Devons,  though  numerous  at  one  time,  have  practically 


Michigan  has  unlimited  possibilities  as  a dairy  state. 


disappeared.  The  production  of  beef  flourished  in  Michigan  almost  up  to  the  90’s, 
when  the  abundant  cheap  productions  of  the  West  became  a serious  competitive 
factor,  from  which  the  industry  has  not  yet  fully  recovered.  During  the  interval 
which  elapsed  in  the  transition  from  beef  to  dairy  production,  during  the  past  two 
decades,  there  has  occurred  an  indiscriminate  admixture  of  the  blood  of  both  beef  and 
dairy  breeds,  which  produced  a lack  of  uniformity  in  conformation  and  function  that 
will  require  years  of  good  breeding  to  overcome.  The  proper  conditions  prevail  and 
indications  at  present  ])oint  strongly  to  a revival  of  beef  production  in  Michigan, 
but  on  an  entirely  different  basis  from  that  originally  followed.  Alfalfa,  clover,  corn 
and  ensilage,  feeds  which  have  made  the  dairy  of  the  state  are  equally  well  suited 


M I (■  II  I ('.  A N 


l(M‘  iiu'al  inakiiii’,.  l)iiiiiij;  I he  past  two  (l(‘^•a(l(■s  cducal  ioiial  iiilliicncc'.  ol  all  cla  .sc:, 
rcachinc  tiu'  I'aiiiu'i'S,  liavi'  Ih'imi  busily  (M^ja^i-d  stimulating'  d.'ury  |)rodu(:l  ion,  while 
the  heel'  ip’owiuj;  husiiu'ss  lias  ri'c'eived  little  or  no  attention.  'The  opport.nnit.ics 
for  pi-odneini;  hi'ef,  mutton  and  wool  hy  ^razinj.^  on  the  cut,  over  Limber  lands  ,and 
lighter  soils  of  till'  state,  will  open  lar^e  possibilities  .as  soon  as  the  jiroper  method  : 
of  jiroeediire  are  j^enerally  known. 


SWlNIi. 

Swine  were  reported  on  ()d.6  per  cent  of  Michigan  farms  in  1910,  to  the  number  of 
1,245, Sad  head,  valued  at  $9,755,042.  It  may  be  dinicnlt  for  this  state,  excejit  for 
the  southerly  tiers  of  eounties,  to  compete  on  an  even  Viasis  with  the  corn  belt  in  the 
produet  ion  of  lard  type  hogs.  On  the  other  hand,  however,  with  our  abundant  sup^ilies 
of  dairy  by-products,  legumes,  cereals,  corn  and  root  crops,  we  have  conditions  emi- 
nently adapted  to  the  production  of  the  choicest  bacon,  an  industry  as  yet  scarcely 
begun. 


In  subduing  the  ‘‘Wild  Lands’’  great  flocks  of  she^  give  material  assistance,  and  return  a profit  while  doing  it. 


SHEEP. 

Sheep  and  lambs  in  1910  numbered  2,306,476  head,  valued  at  $9,646,565,  but  were 
reported  from  only  26.5  per  cent  of  the  farms  of  the  state.  Michigan  has  long  been 
famous  as  a sheep  breeding  and  feeding  state,  occupying  a place  in  the  front  rank 
as  regards  numbers  and  values  up  to  the  time  of  the  opening  up  of  the  western  ranges. 


86 


M I C I I I C}  A N 


As  breeding  ewes  were  rei)orted  on  54,146  farms,  the  indicaticms  point  to  the  main- 
tenance in  fair  degree  of  shec])  breeding  operations  in  the  older  settled  portions  of 
the  state,  despite  the  large  use  of  western  feeding  stocks  in  our  fattening  pens.  Con- 
sidering the  total  area  of  the  state  available  for  grazing  puri)Oses,  and  the  fact  that 
the  slice])  thrives  on  waste  materials  and  by-])roducts,  there  is  still  before  us  great 
possibility  for  the  development  of  the  sheep  industry. 


Poultry  pays  well. 


POULTRY. 

The  number  of  farms  in  Michigan  in  1910  reporting  poultry,  amounted  to  91.5  per 
cent,  with  total  valuations  of  $5,610,958.  This  sum,  representing  values  of  stocks  only 
on  farms,  amounts  to  over  half  the  total  valuations  of  sheep  or  swine,  and  represents 
a very  valuable  asset  as  the  returns  from  the  farm  poultry  flock  are  almost  clear  gain 
throughout  the  year,  procuring  a living  largely  from  what  would  othenA’ise  be  waste 
material.  The  total  number  of  fowls  raised  in  the  state  in  1909,  including  cities, 
towns,  and  villages,  was  12,877,537  head,  valued  at  $6,191,440.  The  egg  production 
for  1909  was  59.915,851  dozens,  worth  $11,734,799.  There  is  no  section  of  Michigan 
where  the  right  kind  of  poultry  cannot  be  made  to  produce  profitably. 


BEES. 

Michigan  is  notably  a honey  producing  state.  In  1910  bees  were  reported  on  1 6,892 
farms  or  8.1  per  cent  of  the  whole  number.  There  were  115,274  colonies,  valued 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


at  S l l(),  l()  l.  Ill  Mic'hif^an  pm- 

ihu'i'il  2,5()7,S10  pouiuls  ol  honey  and 
2S,52l  pouiuls  of  wax,  with  a total 
wiluation  of  (rankinj^  second). 

Aliehij^an’s  tret',  crop,  wild  plant  and 
weed  j^rowth  is  of  a eharaet('r  cMiiinently 
suited  for  honey  production,  furnish- 
ing an  ever  changing  source'  of  supply 
throughout  the  season. 

The  following  rating  gives  the  rela- 
tive position  of  Michigan  among  other 
states  regarding  both  numbers  and  valuations  of  Michigan  liye  stock: 


Rahliing 

numbers. 

Value. 

Horses  on  Michigan  farms 

14 

13 

Cattle 

15 

14 

Dairy  cows 

10 

9 

Swine 

19 

13 

Sheep 

8 

7 

Poultrv 

11 

9 

Bees 

8 

The  amount  and  value  of  honey  and  wax  produced  rates  the  state  first. 

The  following  list  includes  the  numbers  and  value  of  domestic  animals  within 
the  state,  but  not  on  Michigan  farms  and  not  included  in  the  data  heretofore  given, 
viz. : 


Numbers. 

Value. 

Cattle 

47,385 

$1,745,203 

Horses 

100,238 

13,660,280 

Mules 

700 

105,514 

Asses  and  Burros 

74 

6,001 

Sheep 

6,453 

32,231 

Goats 

2,116 

6,128 

Swine 

13,894 

144,986 

I3ces  and  fruit  go  well  togetlier. 


RURAL  ORGANIZATION. 

Probably  no  state  in  the  Union  is  as  extensively  organized  with  rural  cooperative 
agencies  as  Michigan.  The  following  figures  are  procured  from  the  1913  Alichigan 
Farmer’s  Institute  Annual,  viz.: 

Michigan  Farmer’s  Clubs 1 18  membership  7,000 

Michigan  Granges 800  membership  60,000 

Michigan  Gleaner  Arbors 1,015  membership  64,920 


Total 


131,920 


88 


M I ('  II  I (1  A N 


Everyone  knows  the  quality  and  productiveness  of  Michigan  potatoes. 


M I ('  II  I C A N 


'I'lu'  iiilUuMU'('S  of  all  llu'St'  ( )i'^Mtii/at i( )iis  ai’c  cxIciKlcd  towards  the  iinprovcinciil, 
■of  ri'li^ious,  soc'ial  and  busiiu'ss  c'oiulit  ions,  and  tlu'  (‘Heels  of  the  ellorls  exerted  ,'ir(‘ 
inarki'dly  inanild'St  in  any  c'onnnnnity  wlu're  one  or  more  of  these  insLit  tit, ions  exists. 

'I'ho  I'xti'iision  service  of  the  Aijric'nlt ural  ('olIej,^e  is  in.akinj,^  rapid  advaiutcts  in 
rural  orj^ani/.ation,  now  wi'll  ri’prest'nt.c'd  by  cooiierat ive  live  sttjck  brc'cders’  associ.a- 
tions,  eow-test  associations,  cxpcriiiKMit  Union,  alfalfa  clubs,  and  juvenile  corn  and 
vcj^ctablc  i^rowin^  clubs.  Thoui^h  these  elTorts  may  at  first  be  regarded  as  individual, 
they,  nevertheless,  form  the  pivotal  point  from  which  general  intere.sts  evolve,  leading 
to  universal  improvement  of  the  state’s  agricultural  conditions. 

MICHIGAN  OPI’ORTUNITIKS  HETTEK  THAN  WESTERN. 

Michigan  is  a good  state  in  which  to  live  comfortably.  There  may  be  newer 
countries  in  which  money  might  be  made  more  rapidly  for  a time,  but  wTen  it  comes 
to  the  matter  of  comfortable  living,  the  wade  range  of  natural  resources,  industries 
and  possibilities  for  greatly  varied  production,  makes  it  possible  for  the  farmer  in 
Michigan  to  provide  as  many,  if  not  more,  of  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  life,  than 
any  state  in  the  Union.  The  mere  acquirement  of  wealth  alone  is  a sordid  and  self- 
ish ambition.  The  desire  to  establish  good  homes,  surrounded  by  comfortable  living, 
enjoyed  by  strong,  healthy,  intelligent  families,  is  the  most  worthy  purpose  in  life. 
The  American  West  has  lured  many  young  men  away  from  the  Michigan  farm,  to 
aid  in  the  development  of  a country  of  cheap  lands,  and  become  producers  of  farm 
products  in  enormous  quantity  at  low  cost,  appearing  on  markets  in  competition  wuth 
the  Michigan  farmer  father,  increasing  in  years  and  declining  in  strength,  while  con- 
fronted by  a labor  situation  making  our  sturdiest  manhood  stagger.  As  the  most 
productive  lands  of  the  west  have  been  developed,  the  very  best  opportunities  for  the 
young  man  are  to  be  found  within  our  owm  state. 

STIMULUS  TO  AGRICULTURE  GENERAL. 

The  conditions  which  have  developed  in  Michigan  make  it  somewhat  more  diffi- 
cult to  stimulate  agricultural  development  through  educational  effort  than  in  a purely 
agricultural  state,  because  of  our  great  diversity  of  industries  and  production  in  agri- 
culture. Our  citizens  are  not  all  interested  in  the  same  things,  but  in  many  things, 
thus  state  wide  campaigns  for  agricultural  betterment  do  not  attract  as  in  the  case 
of  a state  where  every  square  yard  of  land  is  capable  of  supporting  a hill  of  corn. 

During  the  past  few  years,  a world-wide  movement  has  developed,  tending  to 
stimulate  agricultural  production.  It  is  a theme  wffiich  has  found  a place  in  the  mes- 
sages and  addresses  of  the  country’s  presidents  and  of  the  state’s  governors,  as  w^ell. 
It  has  been  subject  to  discussion  by  the  greatest  railroad  magnates,  financiers  and 
statesmen.  The  United  States  government  has  supplemented  state  aid  for  agri- 
cultural betterment  with  generous  appropriations,  and  private  organizations  con- 
trolling much  wealth  have  given  material  assistance.  The  agricultural  journals  are 
no  longer  alone  in  their  efforts,  for  agriculture  has  become  a favored  subject  wfith 


90 


MICHIGAN 


tlic  country-town  weekly  newspai)er,  the  city  daily,  the  metropolitan  press,  and  the 
most  noted  weekly  and  monthly  periodicals  of  the  country. 

In  view  of  the  great  stimulus  favoring  the  improvement  and  extension  of  agri- 
culture, cou]:)led  with  the  fact  that  people  have  long  been  accustomed  to  look  to  the 
West,  which  is  beginning  to  approach  its  limitations,  it  seems  desirable  for  us  to  study 
the  great  possi])ilities  of  the  home  state  of  Michigan.  It  is  very  doubtful  whether 
the  average  citizen  has  an  adequate  idea  of  the  present  status  and  future  possibilities 
of  Michigan  agriculture. 


A commercial  cherry  orchard. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


'H 


IK )R'i'i('in/ruki<:  in  mk'iiican. 

uv  II.  |.  i‘:nsiA(  ic, 

Professor  of  1 lorficullurc',  Mic'hijjjan  Aj^riciilt.nral  ('ollej^e. 

Miehij^aa  is  ])roeiiiitK'ntly  a horticultural  state.  Its  niany  regions  of  .soil  a(lai)tecl 
to  fruit  i)laul  jinHluetion  and  the  ])roxiuuty  of  the.se  regions  to  lar^e  bodies  of  water 
and  short  shi])pin^  distances  to  some  of  the  larj.^est  and  best  markets  in  the  world, 
attest  to  its  horticultural  im])ortance. 


APPLES. 


Apples  and  peaches  are  the  most  important  commercial  fruit  crops.  The 
opportunities  for  the  culture  of  both  of  these  crops  are  very  attractive.  In  a great 
many  parts  of  the  southern  portion 
of  the  state  are  to  be  found  old  apple 
orchards  of  various  size  that  offer  splen- 
did opportunities  for  men  wdth  a limited 
capital  to  rent  or  secure  a share  basis 
for  a series  of  years  and  by  applying 
the  modem  scientific  care  and  attention, 
a profit  may  be  realized  in  a year  or 
tw'O  when  it  would  require  ten,  fifteen 
or  eighteen  years  to  achieve  if  one 
had  to  plant  out  the  trees  and  wait 
for  them  to  bear.  Frequently  this  busi- 
ness of  renting  orchards  is  carried  on 

while  young  orchards  are  being  estab-  Apple  orchard  forty-two  years  old.  and  st.ll  vigorous. 

lished.  In  Bulletin  237  of  the  Michigan 

Experiment  Station  may  be  found  the  facts  and  figures  on  the  results  that  have  actually 
been  secured  in  this  work  of  rejuvenating  or  improving  old  orchards. 


PEACHES. 

Peach  growing  has,  for  a great  many  years,  been  a very  important  fruit  industry, 
especially  in  the  western  part  of  the  state  bordering  upon  Lake  Michigan.  The  busi- 
ness now  requires  more  skill  and  ability  than  it  did  in  the  “Bonanza”  days,  but  with 
intelligent  work  and  good  judgment  a peach  orchard  is  an  excellent  piece  of  farm 
property.  In  Special  Bulletin  63  of  the  Michigan  Experiment  Station  is  to  be  found 
the  story  of  the  life  history  and  profit  of  a young  peach  orchard  that  any  one  who 
contemplates  peach  growing  should  peruse  wdth  great  care.  The  details  as  to  start- 
ing the  orchard  and  selecting  a site  are  also  given  in  this  bulletin. 


*)2 


M I C 11  I i)  A N 


A fifteen-year-old  apple  orchard  worth  $1,500  an  acre. 


Fruit  raising  and  summer  resorting  make  an  ideal  combination 


M I ('  II  I.C,  A N 


'M 


t'lu'fi'v  r;tisiiij;  is  ;i  n’im'v  l.'irj^c  and  im|)(irlaiil  Iniil  iiuhr.lry  in  ccrl.'iin 

jKitis  of  llu'  slatt',  notably  in  llu*  ( ii'and  'Pravcrso  rc^'ion.  \'cry  larj^c  orchard  , arc 
hnnul  in  that  ri'j^ion  as  widl  as  for  sonic  distaiu'c  south  even  as  lar  .as  ( )ccana  ('onnty. 
\’cry  Iai');t' ori'hards  of  both  swcc't  and  sour  clu'rrics  arc  tlourisliin^;  .also  in  certain  fiurt.; 
of  the  I’ppi'r  I’cMiinsula  larjj;e  orc'hards  have'  recently  bt'en  put  out.  More  of  the  varieties 
e)f  senir  I'lu'rrii's  than  swe'ct  elu'rrie'S  have  bc'c'u  started  and  the  deiuaud  for  sour  eherries 
from  eauuiu^  faetories  seem  to  be  inexhaustible.  Rc'ceut  iiKiuirics  of  some  of  these 
factories  iiulieate  that  they  eau  use  a jj;reat  many  more  in  the  future,  d'he  sweet 
cherries  ilemaud  extra  care  and  skill  and  the  best  shipjiiug  facilities  to  handle  them 
pro]K'rly  and  their  culture  should  not  be  attem])ted  by  anyone  until  they  hjrve  had 
some  experience  in  fruit  growing. 


A view  of  a cherry  orchard  of  forty  acres. 


PEARS  AND  PLUMS. 


Pears  and  plums  are  grown  success- 
fully in  all  the  important  fruit  regions  of 
the  state.  Some  very  old  pear  trees  are 
located  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  state. 
The  culture  of  the  pear  demands  a fairly 
strong,  heavy  soil  whereas  peaches  and 
sour  cherries  will  flourish  on  the  lighter 
soils  and  plum  and  prune  culture  should 
be  confined  to  regions  where  these  crops 
can  be  transported  very  quickly  after 
picking. 


Bartlett  pear  orchard. 


94  M I C -ri  I G A N 


SMALL  FRUITS. 

The  profits  from  small  fruits  are  fully  equal  to  those  from  tree  fruits,  but  as  with 
all  fruits,  general  care  and  culture  is  the  most  important  feature  that  determines 
the  profits  of  all  small  fruits  and  marketing  is,  undoubtedly,  next  in  importance.  The 
small  fruit  culture  of  Michigan  has  developed  so  rapidly  in  the  last  few  years  that 
the  last  United  vStates  Census  shows  Michigan  as  ranking  3rd,  with  all  other  states 
in  the  matter  of  small  fruit  acreage  and  2nd,  in  value  of  small  fruit  products. 

STRAWBERRIES. 

The  strawberry  is  the  most  im- 
portant of  the  small  fruits  and  by  many 
considered  the  choicest  of  all  small 
fruits.  The  strawberry  can  be  grown 
upon  almost  any  soil  that  is  suitable 
for  corn  and  potatoes  after  proper  prep- 
aration. 


This  strawberry  patch  is  making  the  grower  rich. 


Gooseberry  patch.  The  yield  under  good  care  is  phenomenal. 


GOOSEBERRIES. 

The  second  earliest  fruit  ready  for  market  is  the  gooseberry.  Its  market  is  more 
limited  than  that  of  the  strawberry  but  it  is  not  nearly  as  perishable  and  can  be  picked 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


'>.S 


aiul  usi'd  al  various  ‘>1  maturity.  More  of  this  fruit  is  l»cin^'  couimcrf  iali/cd 

auil  pri'sorx'c'il  c\’i'rv  yi'ar.  'I'hr  profits  arc*  _yoo(l  sometimes  heiuj^  as  hij^li  as  several 
luuulred  dollars  pi'r  aens 

( l U KAN  IS. 

Like  the  Gooseberry,  the  eurraut  doc'S  not  rt'ciuire  the  care  that  the  strawberry 
tloes  aud  fmds  (piiek  and  rc'ady  marked.. 

Kia)  KASIMUCRKIKS. 

Raspberries  are  an  im])ortant  source 
of  pn)tU  te>  the  small  fruit  grower — 
the  demand  is  always  strong  for  good 
fruit  used  in  the  fresh  state  or  for  can- 
ning aiul  ])reserving. 

Otlier  varieties  of  small  fruit  that 
can  be  raised  iri  Michigan  at  a ])rofit 
are  Black  Raspberries,  Pur|:»lc  Rasp- 
berries and  the  Blackberry,  which  is 
undoubtedly  the  most  ])rofitable  of  the 
brambles — also  the  dewberry  which  is 
too  often  overlooked  by  the  small  fruit 
grower. 

CUCUMBERS. 

The  cucumber  crop  is  one  of  far  more  importance  in  the  state  of  Michigan  than 
it  is  generally  supposed.  Some  of  the  largest  preserving  companies  have  many  salting 
stations  within  the  state  and  the  culture  of  the  cucumber  affords  a very  attractive 
field  for  the  beginner  in  fruit  growing.  The  crop  is  known  as  a quick  cash  crop  for 
the  reason  that  by  mid-summer  the  returns  are  available  and  thus  money  is  readily 
realized  from  this  crop.  The  culture  of  cucumbers  for  pickles  does  not  require  ex- 
pensive outlay  for  tools  and  it  is  a crop  that  will  be  very  greatly  increased  in  the  near 
future.  The  Michigan  Experiment  Station  has  a good  circular  No.  19,  upon  the 
culture  of  this  crop. 

CELERY. 

The  celery  crop  in  certain  regions  of 
the  state  is  world  known,  notably  the 
Kalamazoo  region.  This  crop  is  parti- 
cular about  the  kind  of  soil  but  it  does 
not  require  expensive  tools  and  one  will 
be  able  to  start  in  with  the  culture  of  this 
vegetable  without  very  much  capital. 

Full  directions  are  given  in  ^Michigan 
Experiment  Station  Special  Bulletin  No. 

60. 


Celery. 


96 


M 1 C 11  I G A N 


ONION  CROP. 

^J'he  onion  cro])  offers  a way  to  utilize  a great  deal  of  the  muck  lands  of  Michigan 
which  now  can  be  ])urchased  for  a reasonable  price  and  after  lieing  put  in  condition 
it  is  demonstrated  that  they  will  jiroduce  good  crops  of  onions,  and  will  increase  in 
value  very  rapidly.  The  expense  of  growing  the  crop  is  not  a great  one  and  it  will 
afford  work  for  all  of  the  family.  Information  is  available  in  Michigan  Experiment 
Station  Special  Bulletin  No.  67. 


POTATOES. 

The  potato  is  grown  in  nearly  every  part  of  the  state  and  with  splendid  success. 
Very  definite  steps  have  been  taken  to  increase  the  quality  of  the  product  and  to 
increase  the  yield  by  better  methods  of  culture,  fertilizers,  preventing  insects  and 
diseases  and  superior  seed.  It  is  one  of  the  standard  crops  of  the  state.  Detailed 
information  may  be  had  in  Michigan  Experiment  Station  Circular  No.  15. 


Michigan  ranks  first  in  potatoes. 


SPECIAL  INFORMATION  OBTAINABLE. 

No  settler  in  the  state  who  is  considering  the  starting  of  any  orchard  should  do 
so  until  he  has  read  and  studied  very  carefully  the  Michigan  Experiment  Station 
Bulletin  “Suggestions  on  Planting  Orchards,”  No.  262.  This  tells  in  a very  plain 
and  concise-  way  the  requirements  for  soil  and  site  of  the  orchard  and  list  of  varieties 
that  are  known  to  do  well  in  this  state  is  suggested.  Similar  information  for  the 
culture  of  small  fruits  is  given  in  Sj^ecial  Bulletin  No.  59.  From  time  to  time  liulletins 
are  issued  on  spraying  and  cultivation  of  horticultural  crops  and  other  topics  of  interest 
to  fruit  growlers.  All  of  these  bulletins  are  available  and  will  be  gladly  sent  to  anyone 
who  applies  for  them. 


M I ( ' 1 1 I ( ; A N 


07 


IlOK  IK  I III  UAL  l‘l<;()|)l  ( I ION. 


'I'lu'  horl irull iiral  iiitrri'sts  of  Michi^K'in  have  lonj.^  j.(ivcn  llic  slate  a posilif)!) 
national  importaiu'e  in  tiu'si'  liiu'S  of  prodmi  ion.  In  1010  Mic-hij^an  ranked  eleventdi 
in  total  nninlxM'  of  frnil  tri'es  of  Ix'arin^  aj.,K',  the  mnnher  heinj'  12,S42,X27;  the  jirod- 
net.s  ot  1000  ainonnti'd  to  15,220,101  hnsluds,  ratinj.^  third,  with  a total  valuation  for 
tlu'  N'c'ar  of  S*hd20,S12,  akso  ralinjj;  third  in  this  respect. 


Apples 

1 Vaehes 

Pears 

Plums 

C 'berries 

('■rapes  (vines) 


d'rees  of  bearinjj; 

aj;e,  1010. 

7.554.545 

2.007.545 
1,156,151 

464,017 

760,185 

11,015,576 


Production, 

bu.shels. 

12,552,206 

1,686,586 

666,025 

181,188 

558,045 

120,605,007  lbs. 


Value. 

$5,060,080 

1,700,550 

555,771 

205,765 

500,820 

1,551,057 


Raspberries  that  produced  300  cases  to  the  acre. 


Michigan’s  horticultural  rating. 

The  following  data  illustrates  Michigan’s  rating  among  all  other  states  in  the 
country  from  the  standpoint  of  numbers  of  bearing  trees  in  1910  and  production  and 
values  for  1909: 


7 


98 


MICHIGAN 


All  orchard  fruits 

No.  of  bearing 
trees. 

10 

Production, 

bushels. 

3 

Value 

3 

A])ples 

7 

2 

2 

Peaches 

11 

5 

4 

1 ^ears 

3 

3 

3 

Plums 

15 

9 

8 

Cherries 

6 

4 

4 

( irapes  (vines) 

3 

3 lbs. 

3 

Small  fruits 

3 (acreage) 

4 qts. 

2 

h''lowcrs  and  plants . . . 

8 (acreage) 

9 

Nursery  products 

12 

13 

Forest  products  from  farms 

10 

The  crop  and  horticultural  products,  heretofore  enumerated,  are  wonderful  in 
their  variety  and  aggregate  values,  when  viewed  from  the  standpoint  of  a single  state. 
The  possibilities  of  ultimate  production  in  the  case  of  many  of  these  crops  has  scarcely 
begun.  The  51.5%  of  land  now  in  Michigan  farms  can  be  stimulated  to  greater  pro- 
duction by  improving  the  fertility  of  the  land  still  further,  introducing  live  stock 
and  by  the  more  general  use  of  suitable  rotations,  including  legumes. 


Strawberries  that  made  returns  of  over  $700  per  acre. 


M I ('  II  I (',  A N 


M I ( ' 1 1 1 ( '. A N ’S  M A N U I<\\(  'T U K I N ( '.  I N 1 ) I ' S'P k I IvS. 

No  staU'  in  llu'  Union  olTors  greater  ol^f^orliiHilics  to  the  niannfactnrcr  than 
Michigan.  'Tlu'  hisloi-y  of  the  j^rowlh  of  (he  inannfactnrin^  industries  of  the 
state  is  proof  eonelnsive  of  the  truth  of  this  I'lssertion.  While  the  growth  of 
inanufaetnrins^  imlnstries  has  been  closely  rebated  to  the  devcloj)mcnt  of  the  sj)lendid 
transportation  facilities  of  the  state,  yet  the  rapid  advance  in  manufacturers  dates 
back  as  far  as  1825  when  the  birie  C'anal,  affording  connection  with  the  eastern  sea- 
board, was  opened.  The  transportation  facilities  of  the  state  at  present,  both  by 
rail  and  by  water  arc  excellent.  With  over  nine  thousand  miles  of  railroad,  Alichigan 
is  sixth  state  in  the  Union  in  its  length  of  trackage.  The  state  borders  on  four  of 
the  Ureat  Lakes,  which  furnish  splendid  intrastate  and  interstate  communication 
by  water.  In  addition  to  these  splendid  rail  and  water  transportation  facilities,  the 
state  is  most  fortunately  located  with  reference  to  the  great  markets  of  the  country. 


Street  scene  in  Michigan’s  largest  city. 

Successful  manufacturing  industries  are  the  builders  of  great  cities  which  in  turn  afford  home  markets  for  the  products  of  the  farm. 


It  should  be  noted  that  Michigan  is  located  but  a short  distance  from  the  center  of 
population  of  the  country,  thereby  giving  the  state  remarkable  market  advantages. 
New  York,  Buffalo  and  in  fact  the  entire  East  is  a ready  and  accessible  market  for 
Aliehigan  products.  Cleveland,  Indianapolis,  St.  Louis  and  the  other  cities  of  the 
south  are  within  easy  reaeh.  Chicago,  Milwaukee,  St.  Paul,  Minneapolis  and  other 
eities  of  the  West,  likewise  receive  their  portion  of  made  in  Michigan  goods.  There 
are,  perhaps,  two  other  features  that  places  Michigan  in  the  fore  ranks  as  a 
manufacturing  state.  One  is  the  abundance  of  water-power,  afforded  by  the  many 
rivers  and  streams,  and  seeond,  the  varied  mamffacturing  industries  within  its  borders. 

IMPORTANCE  AND  GROWTH  OF  MANUFACTURES. 

Llichigan  has  for  many  years  been  one  of  the  leading  manufacturing  states.  In 
1849  the  value  of  its  manufactured  products  amounted  to  $11,169,000;  by  1869  it  had 
increased  to  $118,395,000;  and  in  1909  it  amounted  to  $685,109,000.  The  early 


Michigan  ranks  first  in  the 
manufacture  of  automobiles. 

The  last  census  (,l9IOl  showed 
Michigan  producing  38.8%  of  all 
automobiles  manufactured  in  the 
United  States. 


v,v  1 


102 


MICHIGAN 


development  of  manufaetiires  in  the  state  was  due  largely  to  the  utilization  of  its 
extensive  forests,  while  the  growing  markets  afforded  by  the  rapidly  developing  West, 
the  advantageous  situation  of  the  state  with  respeet  to  the  markets  of  both  the  East 
and  the  West,  and  its  important  agricultural  and  mineral  resources  have  also  been 
influential  factors  in  its  later  progress. 

During  1849  an  average  of  9,344  wage  earners,  representing  2.3  per  cent  of  the  total 
population  of  the  state,  were  employed  in  manufactures,  while  in  1909  an  average  of 

231,499  wage  earners,  or  8.2  per  cent  of  the  total 
population,  were  so  engaged.  During  this  pe- 
riod the  gross  value  of  manufactured  products 
per  capita  of  the  total  population  of  the  state 
increased  from  $28  to  $244.  The  proportion 
which  the  manufactures  of  the  state  repre- 
sented of  the  total  value  of  the  products  of 
manufacturing  industries  in  the  United  States 
increased  from  1.1  per  cent  in  1849  to  2.8  per 
cent  in  1899  and  3.3  per  cent  in  1909.  The 
growing  industrial  importance  of  Michigan  is 
indicated  by  the  fact  that  in  the  value  of 
Street  scene  m Michigan  s second  largest  city.  manufactured  products  it  has  advauccd  froui 

seventeenth  place  among  the  states  of  the  Union  in  1849  to  ninth  in  1899,  eighth  in 
1904,  and  seventh  in  1909. 

In  1909  the  state  of  Michigan  had  9,159  manufacturing  establishments,  which  gave 
employment  to  an  average  of  271,07 1 persons  during  the  year  and  paid  out  $153,838,000 
in  salaries,  and  wages.  Of  the  persons  employed,  231,499  were  wage  earners.  These 
establishments  turned  out  products  to  the  value  of  $685,109,000,  to  produce  which 
materials  costing  $368,612,000  were  utilized.  The  value  added  by  manufacture  was 
thus  $316,497,000,  which  figure  best  represents  the  net  wealth  created  by  manufactur- 
ing operations  during  the  year. 


MANUFACTURES. 

Five  Leading  Industries  of  Michigan  as  Measured  by  Value  of  Products.  1909. 


A large  stove  factory. 


M 1 ('  II  1 ('.  A N 


KM 


INUUS'lltllOH. 

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lU'OllllctH. 

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111  thd  Htaliu 

Tor  of  total  for  ttm 

liicliiHtry  lo  till,  linllf'l  Htaloa 

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prodiiclH. 

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aviTatjo 

iminliiT. 

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proiliict.H 

WiiKo  oarriora. 
avi'.riKfo 
iiiiiril.or. 

Autoiilolilli'.H,  liu'lililliiK  uikI  imiiIh 

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II  1 

1 1 

0 

WH 

.'t;t  r. 

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r» . li 

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l'\iuiulrv  A Miu'liliu' sluip 

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l''uriiltiiro  lU'frlKt'i'ators  ... 

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12  'J 

A nest  of  furniture  factories. 


AUTOMOBILES. 

The  manufacture  of  automobiles  in  Michigan  on  any  considerable  scale  com- 
menced in  Detroit  less  than  a decade  ago,  although  it  had  been  carried  on  to  a limited 
extent  prior  to  that  time.  The  industry  developed  rapidly,  and  by  1904,  Michigan 
had  become  the  leading  state  in  the  manufacture  of  automobiles,  which  position  it 
held  in  1909.  In  1904  Michigan  contributed  26.6  per  cent  of  the  total  value  of  products 
for  this  industry  for  the  country  as  a whole,  while  in  1909  the  proposition  had  increased 
to  38.8  per  cent.  The  total  value  of  products  for  this  industry  in  Michigan  in  1909 
was  $96,651,000,  which  was  more  than  twelve  times  the  amount  reported  for  1904, 
while  the  value  added  by  manufacture  in  1909  was  over  nine  times  that  reported  in 
1904.  Of  the  total  value  of  manufactured  products  and  value  added  by  manufacture 
for  the  state  in  1909,  the  automobile  industry  contributed  14.1  per  cent  and  13.5  per 
cent,  respectively  while  of  the  total  increase  of  $255,989,000  in  value  of  products  for 
all  manufacturing  industries  in  the  state  from  1904  to  1909,  $88,654,000,  or  over  one- 
third,  was  reported  for  this  one  industry. 

LUMBER  AND  TIMBER  PRODUCTS. 

This  industry  in  ^Michigan  dates  from  1834,  when  the  first  steam  sawmill  was 
built  in  the  Saginaw  Valley.  Its  growth  thereafter  was  very  rapid,  for  in  1849  there 
were  558  establishments  reported,  which  employed  an  average  of  2,730  wage  earners 
and  turned  out  products  valued  at  $2,464,000.  The  industry  was  at  first  concen- 
trated along  the  valleys  of  the  Grand,  Saginaw,  and  Muskegon  Rivers  and  their  tribu- 
taries, and  at  such  lake  ports  as  Alpena,  Manistee,  Ludington,  Cheboygan  and  Grand 
Haven.  Until  the  rise  of  the  automobile  industry,  this  was  the  most  important  in- 


104 


M I C 1 1 I Cl  A N 


(liistry  in  tlie  state  as  measured  by  value  of  ])rodiicts,  and  it  still  eontinues  to  lead 
all  others  in  number  of  establishments,  average  numlier  of  wage  earners,  and  amount 
l)aid  in  wages.  The  su])ply  of  timber  in  the  state  has  been  deelining  steadily,  and 
the  value  of  i)roducts  showed  a decrease  both  from  1889  to  1899  and  from  1899  to  1904. 
Since  1904,  however,  the  industry  has  shown  a slight  increase  in  this  respect.  In 
1909  the  total  value  of  products  reported  for  this  industry  was  $61,514,000  and  it 
gave  employnient  to  an  average  of  35,627  wage  earners  during  the  year.  Until  now 
the  cut  consisted  very  largely  of  white  pine,  but  the  depletion  of  the  great  white  pine 
forests,  which  made  Michigan  at  one  time  the  foremost  lumber  state,  has  necessitated 
the  utilization  of  other  woods,  of  which  the  state  has  a considerable  supply.  In  1909 
the  combined  output  of  softwood  formed  only  a little  over  one-half  of  the  total  cut. 
Hemlock  contributed  nearly  two-thirds  and  white  pine  only  about  one-fourth  of  the 
softwood  while  small  quantities  of  spruce,  cedar,  tamarack,  and  balsam  fir  were  also 
reported.  Maple  was  by  far  the  most  important  of  the  hardwoods,  while  beech, 
basswood,  birch,  elm,  and  oak  constituted  most  of  the  remainder.  The  state  still  ranks 
first  in  rnakle  and  beech. 

FOUNDRY  AND  MACHINE-SHOP  PRODUCTS. 

In  addition  to  the  general  class  of  foundries  and  machine  shops,  this  industry 
also  includes  establishments  which  manufactures  bells,  gas  machines  and  meters, 
hardware,  plumbers’  supplies,  steam  fittings,  and  structural  iron-work.  The  industry 
was  really  of  greater  importance  in  the  state  than  is  indicated  by  the  statistics,  as 
some  machine  shops  manufactured  a distinctive  product  and  were  assigned  to  other 
classifications.  A number  of  the  most  important  establishments  were  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  cast-iron  radiators  and  boilers  for  steam  cranes  and  pile  drivers. 
The  gross  value  of  products  increased  from  $25,430,000  in  1899  to  $45,399,000  in  1909, 
or  78.5  per  cent  for  the  decade. 

FOOD  AND  KINDRED  PRODUCTS. 

This  group  of  industries  in  Michigan  includes  seven  industries,  namely:  flour 
mills  and  grist  mills;  the  butter,  cheese,  and  condensed  milk  industry;  slaughtering 
and  meat  packing;  the  manufacture  of  food  preparations;  bakeries;  the  beet  sugar 
industry;  and  canning  and  preserving.  The  classification,  “Food  preparations,” 
includes  the  statistics  for  the  factories  which  manufacture  fancy  cereals,  mincemeat 
canned  soups,  and  similar  preparations  as  chief  products.  The  canning  and  preserv- 
ing industry  embraces  all  establishments  in  which  fruit,  vegetables,  and  fish  are  canned 
or  preserved,  as  well  as  those  which  prepare  pickles,  preserves,  and  sauces.  In  1909 
there  were  1,980  establishments  reported  for  these  seven  industries,  which  employed 
10,978  wage  earners  and  manufactured  products  valued  at  $100,605,000,  adding 
$26,480,000  to  the  cost  of  materials  by  the  process  of  manufacture.  This  group  of 
industries,  however,  is  of  much  less  importance  relatively  when  measured  by  value 
added  by  manufacture  or  average  number  of  wage  earners  than  when  measured  by 
value  of  products,  owing  principally  to  the  comparatively  simple  processes  involved 


iM  I ('  II  1 C.  A N 


10' 


in  llu'  iu;mul;ii't uri'  ol  lloui’ mill  mid  ^I'isl  mill  pn xlncl s,  mid  duller,  clieesc  mid  eon- 
diMisi'd  milk,  mid  in  slmij^lit eriiip^  mid  iik-;iI  imekiiipn  IC.'icIi  of  lliese  seven  indir'.t.rie:. 
showed  a noteworthy  iiu'rease  in  value  of  jirodnels  dnrin}^  the  decade,  Ihe  lar^^cil 
piM'eentai^e  of  )j[ain  lu'inpf  that  of  551  in  tiu'  heel-sn^ar  industry  and  the  smalles  t that 
of  (il.l  in  the  llonr-niill  and  ei-isL-niill  industry. 


(\1icl\i){aii  nink.s  hccoikI  anions  all  .states  in  iiia  tin  fact  tire  of  food  protlucts.) 


Two  large  food  factories 
in  Michigan. 


FURNITURE  AND  REFRIGERATORS. 

Michigan  was  the  second,  state  in  the  Union  in  the  manufacture  of  furniture  and 
refrigerators  in  1909,  and  first  in  the  manufacture  of  refrigerators  alone.  Of  the 
202  establishments  included  in  this  classification  in  1909,  only  10  were  primarily  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  refrigerators,  the  value  of  the  output  of  these  establish- 
ments constituting  about  one-twelfth  of  the  total  value  of  products  reported  for  the 
industry.  The  importance  of  the  industry  in  the  state  is  no  doubt  due  largely  to 
the  abundant  available  supply  of  pine  and  hardwood  suitable  for  these  purposes. 
While  the  supply  of  such  woods  in  the  state  has  diminished  in  late  years,  the  quantity 
of  high  grade  lumber  imported  has  increased  largely,  and  the  industry  in  the  state 
has  maintained  the  impetus  afforded  by  its  early  natural  advantages  and  continued 
to  prosper,  as  indicated  by  the  fact  that  the  average  number  of  wage  earners  employed 
increased  from  12,833  to  16,610,  or  29.4  per  cent,  and  the  value  of  the  products  from 
$16,040,000  to  $28,642,000  or  78.6  per  cent,  during  the  decade.  The  value  of  the 


106 


MICHIGAN 


products  of  the  furniture  and  refrigerator  industry  in  Michigan  equaled  nearly  12 
per  cent  of  the  total  value  for  the  industry  in  the  entire  United  States. 


A furniture  exposition  building. 

Michigan  ranks  second  among  all  states  in  manufacture  of  furniture. 


MANUFACTURES.  • 

Industries  in  which  Michigan  Ranked  First — Second — Third, 
as  measured  by  value  of  products.  1909. 


FIRST. 


Industry. 


SECOND. 


Industry. 


0)  rfs 


THIRD. 


Industry. 


Automobiles,  including  bodies 

' ’ and  parts 

Charcoal 

Oil.  essential 

Salt 

Show’cases 

Wheelbarrows 


Basket,  ratan  and  willow  ware.  . 
38.8  Billiard  tables  and  materials.  . . 
29.6  Ca.sh  registers  and  calculating 

28.0  machines 

32.2  Food  preparations 

26.0  Furniture  and  refrigerators 

(1)  Graphite  and  Graphite  refining 

Grindstones 

Patent  medicines  and  compounds 
and  druggists’  preparations.  . . 

Vinegar  and  cider 

Wall  plaster 

Wirework,  including  wire  rope 
and  cable 


8.4 

(1) 


(1) 

9.2 

11.9 


(1) 

(1) 


9.5 

11.5 

11.1 


Beet  sugar 

Brass  and  Bronze  products.  . . . 

Corsets 

Flags,  banners,  regalia,  society 

badges  and  emblems 

Fur  goods 

Springs,  steel  car  and  carriage.  . 
Stoves  and  furnaces,  including 

gas  and  oil  stoves 

Window  shades  and  fixtures.  . . . 
Wood  distillation,  not  including 
turpentine  and  rosin 


12.6 


c a , 

>S 

III 


21.8 

9.3 

13.1 

(1) 

4.1 

14.5 

11.6 

7.0 

24.6 


M 1 ('  II  I A N 


107 


Large  threshing  machine  manufacturing  plant. 


108 


M I C I f I A N 


A KKW  OTHER  IMPORTANT  MANUFACTURING  INDUSTRIES. 

1'iiE  Bicict  Sugar  Industry  of  Michigan  has  had  a tremendous  growth.  The 
(luantity  of  l:)eets  used  in  the  several  large  beet  sugar  factories  within  the  state  in- 
creased from  205,925  tons  in  1 899  to  816,609  tons  in  1909.  The  total  value  of  granu- 
lated sugar  products  in  1909  was  $9,756,587.  The  total  value  of  all  other  products, 
including  granulated  sugar,  molasses,  sirup,  pulp,  and  other  by-products  of  the  in- 
dustry, was  $10,476,876  as  against  $1,602,266,  ten  years  previous.  The  last  census 
of  the  United  States  show  Michigan  in  1909  as  ranking  third  with  all  other  states 
in  the  Union  in  the  lieet  sugar  industry.  The  latest  available  figures  indicate  that 
the  state  has  taken  second  place. 


One  of  Michigan’s  many  large  beet  sugar  factories. 


Printing  and  Publishing.  This  industry  includes  the  printing  and  publishing 
of  newspapers,  periodicals,  books,  music — bookbinding  and  making — lithographing 
and  engraving,  etc.  In  the  number  of  establishments,  this  industry  ranks  second 
in  the  state,  having  a very  decided  growth  during  the  last  decade,  the  value  of  its 
product  increasing  $9,142,000  or  111.4  per  cent. 

Tobacco  Manufactures.  This  industry  covers  the  manufacture  of  cigars, 
cigarettes,  chewing  and  smoking  tobacco  and  snuff.  The  total  value  of  products 
produced  from  this  industry  in  1909  was  $16,179,000,  which  was  a gain  of  $6,934,000 
or  approximately  75  per  cent  for  the  last  decade. 

Leather  Goods.  The  real  development  of  this  industry  has  taken  place  since 
1889  but  in  1849  the  state  reported  61  establishments  which  employed  283  wage  earners 
and  turned  out  products  valued  at  $402,000.  In  1909  there  were  24  plants  reported, 
which  employed  2,291  wage  earners,  the  value  of  whose  products  totaled  $15,331,000. 

Paper  and  Wood  Pulp.  The  development  of  this  industry  in  Michigan  has 
been  due  to  the  more  extensive  use  of  wood  pulp  in  the  manufacture  of  paper.  In 


M I ( ' II  I ('.  A N 


]()<) 


ISS*)  tlu'fi'  wt'iH'  Al  I'stalilislinu'iils  I'cpi )i'l(’(!  fni-  tli(>  slalc,  which  employed  an  avera^'c 
ol  I,21<)  waj;i'  eai'iuTS  and  luaiuilael ni'i'd  pi-odnels  valued  rd  1 d,()0().  'The  ^M'owth 

diirinj^  tlu'  di'cadi'  iVoiu  1 1 was  pai  l ienlarly  noteworthy  as  t he  value  of  the 

prodiu'ls  ini'fi'asi'd  from  S4,21S,0()0  to  $ 1 a, d22, (•**().  A j^ain  of  1$9,7() l.ddO  or  220.1  per 
iH'nt . 

Hk.v.ss  and  llKON/h:  I'uoDrc'is.  In  1000  this  industry  in  Alichij.^an  included 
()0  ostahlishments  of  which  45  wt'fc  jirimarily  enj^a{.jcd  in  the  manufacturing  (A  brass 
casting  and  brass  goods.  4'hc  remarkable  development  of  this  industry  in  the  state 
during  recent  years  has  been  due  largely  to  the  increased  demand  for  brass  specialties 
in  the  manufacturing  of  automobiles.  4'hc  total  value  of  products  increased  from 
$2,148,(100  in  1800  to  $12,800,000,  in  1000.  Michigan  ranked  third  among  the  states 
in  the  Ibiion  in  this  industry  as  measured  by  value  of  jiroducts. 

Patknt  Mkor’inks,  and  Compounds  and  Druggists’  Preparations.  Alichigan  is 
seeond  among  the  states  in  the  Union  in  this  industry  as  a whole  and  first  in  the  manu- 
faeture  of  druggists’  preparations.  In  1900  the  value  of  products  was  $13,475,000 
as  compared  with  $7,284,000  ten  years  previous. 


A large  chemical  plant. 


Chemicals.  Although  this  industry  does  not  rank  among  the  first  in  the  state, 
Alichigan  holds  fourth  place  among  the  states  in  the  Union  in  the  value  of  chemical 
products  manufactured.  The  large  supply  of  brine  from  the  salt  wells  of  the  state 
has  made  the  manufacture  of  alkali  products  of  great  value.  The  value  of  sodas 
form  five-eighths  of  the  total  value  of  the  products  of  this  industry.  A comparatively 
large  number  of  small  establishments  engage  in  the  manufacture  of  potash,  prin- 
cipally from  wood  ashes.  The  growth  of  the  industry  has  been  rapid,  the  value  of 
the  product  being  $12,890,000  in  1909,  an  increase  over  1899  of  142.1  per  cent. 


no 


M I C II  I G A N 


Another  group  of  Michigan  factories. 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


111 


Of  (itlu'r  iiuportanl  iiuliisti’ii's  tin*  vSmicminc.  and  Ivici'iNiNfi  oi'  ('oiM’ivk  is  one 
of  the  most,  important  and  ranks  as  om*  of  the  leading  industries  of  the  state, 

'riie  construction  of  Siicam  Kaii-road  ("ars,  in  Michij^an  consists  almost  cntirfily 
of  freij^ht  cars,  and  is  pcrhai)S,  next  in  importance,  d'ho  manufacture  of  Casif 
Ricc.iSTic R.s,  ('ai.ciu.atinc  M.\('iiin1';s,  Hii.iuard  d'Aiujcs  and  Matciiks,  are  worthy  of 
mention,  as  Michij^an  is  one  of  the  chief  states  in  the  Union  in  the  manufacture  (^f 
these  products. 

Other  industries  which  arc  of  less  importance  in  the  state,  but  in  which  Michigan 
holds  high  rank  among  the  states  in  the  Union,  arc  the  manufacture  of  Carriages 
AND  Wagons,  Stoves  and  Furnaces,  Salt  Industry,  Wood  Distillation,  Fur 
CooDS,  Show  Cases,  Wall  I’i-aster,  etc. 


112 


M I C II  I O A N 


THE  COUNTIES  OF  THE  STATE. 


The  information  contained  in  the  following  pages  concerning  each  county  of 
the  state  is,  on  account  of  space,  necessarily  brief.  The  object  is  to  give  the  reader 
a general  idea  of  any  county  in  which  he  may  be  interested.  The  data  concerning 
each  county  is  accurate,  so  far  as  it  has  been  obtainable,  but  attention  is  called  to  the 
fact  that  in  some  instances  there  have  undoubtedly  been  changes  since  the  securing 
of  this  data  that  would  make  the  information  contained  in  this  publication  appear 
slightly  at  variance  with  the  conditions  found  at  any  future  date.  Conditions  are 
ever  changing.  A city  or  town  may  have  several  new  and  important  industries  added 
within  the  period  of  only  a few  weeks.  New  public  buildings  are  being  constantly 
added  and  other  important  improvements  made.  The  population  of  a community 
is  constantly  changing,  and  since  the  United  States  census  of  1910  is  the  only  accurate 
information  obtainable,  the  figures  concerning  the  population  as  well  as  certain  other 
information  must  be  based  upon  this  census,  or  otherwise  only  estimated  as  to  present 
day  conditions. 

It  is  not  the  intention  to  show  the  advantages  of  one  county  over  another  from 
an  agricultural,  horticultural  or  industrial  standpoint.  No  attempt  has  been  made 
to  enumerate  the  individual  agricultural  or  horticultural  crops,  the  raising  of  which 
may  be  particularly  adapted  to  certain  counties,  for  this  too  is  an  ever  changing  con- 
dition. As  has  been  conclusively  shown  in  the  history  of  the  state  from  the  days  of 
its  early  development  to  the  present  time,  counties  that  a few  years  ago  were  not 
considered  adapted  to  the  raising  of  fruit  are  now  numbered  among  the  great  fruit 
raising  counties  of  the  state.  This  condition  is  not  alone  true  of  counties,  but  of 
certain  portions  of  counties  as  well,  and  is  also  applicable  to  the  raising  of  many  other 
crops  besides  fruit.  Generally  speaking,  a crop  that  can  be  grown  in  one  county 
of  the  state  can  also  be  grown  in  many  of  the  others,  but  each  county  has  its  particular 
advantages,  and  because  of  the  soil  or  other  conditions  may  be  peculiarly  adapted 
to  the  raising  of  certain  crops.  The  prospective  settler  should  keep  this  in  mind  and 
should  thoroughly  investigate,  before  purchasing,  the  suitability  of  the  land  for  the 
raising  of  particular  crops  he  may  have  in  mind. 

ALCONA  COUNTY. 

Alcona  county  was  first  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  first  called  Negwegon,  after  a well  known  Chippewa 
chief.  It  was  afterwards  named  Alcona,  meaning,  “A  fine  or  excellent  plain,”  and  was  organized  as 
a county  in  1869.  It  is  one  of  the  eastern  tier  of  counties  and  is  located  towards  the  northern  part  of 
the  Lower  Peninsula. 

The  total  land  area  is  435,247.34  acres,  of  which  105,000  acres  are  in  farms,  producing  good  crops. 

The  population  is  5,703,  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $2,921,885. 

The  county  has  a large  lake  frontage,  being  bounded  entirely  on  the  east  by  Lake  Huron. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1 1,< 

'Plu-rt'  Mil'  4.<  schools  which  were  Mltcndcd  hy  1,557  pupils  Inst,  ycMr,  rc(|niriiij'  I.Ik'  ‘.crvicc',  of  4K 
teachers. 

'Pile  county  has  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service,  hank;;  .'iiid  2 new:.f)apers  ( )iie  paper 
is  pnhiished  at  1 larrisville  and  the  other  at.  hineoln. 

I larrisville,  which  is  the  county  seat,  has  a population  of  about  .500  and  is  located  on  the  main  litu; 
of  the  Hetroit  and  Mackinac  Railroad,  on  the  west  shore  of  hake  Huron  in  I larrisville  Township,  about 
2tH)  miles  above  1 Detroit,  lt)0  above  Ih'iy  t'ity  and  54  miles  south  of  Aljiena. 

'Phere  are  Baptist,  ('atholie,  I’resbyterian  and  Methodist  chnrehes,  new  six  room  hij'h  school,  court 
house,  ayrienltural  hall,  ^ood  hotel,  roller  llonring  mills,  creamery,  contract  seed  house,  electric  lij'hting 
plant,  a bank  and  one  newspaper. 

'Phe  other  principal  towns  are  Lincoln  and  Mikado,  both  located  on  the  Detroit  and  Mackinac 
Railroad  to  the  southwest  of  1 larrisville — each  having  a bank  and  chnrehes  of  different  denominations, 
hotel,  flour  mill,  etc. 

'Phe  principal  transjiortation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Detroit  and  Mackinac  Railroad  and 
the  Au  Sable  I'c  Northwesteni  Railroad. 


ALGER  COUNTY. 

Alger  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1885  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Russell  A.  Alger, 
then  Governor  of  Michigan,  and  afterwards  Secretary  of  War  and  United  States  Senator. 

'Fhis  county  is  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  and 
part  of  the  west  by  Lake  Superior. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  589,948.58  acres,  having  about  30,000  already  converted  into 
fanns. 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $9,436,997. 

The  population  is  7,675,  (1910  census). 

There  are  a total  of  29  schools  which  were  attended  by  1,545  children  last  year,  requiring  the  ser- 
vices of  61  teachers. 

The  county  has  telephone  and  telegraph  service,  2 banks  and  one  newspaper  which  is  published 
at  Munising. 

Munising  is  the  coimty  seat  and  has  a population  of  about  3,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Munising, 
Marquette  and  Southeastern  Railway;  Duluth,  South  Shore  and  Atlantic  Ry.,  and  the  Minn.  St.  Paul 
and  Sault  Ste.  Marie  Railroad. 

There  are  churches  of  different  denominations,  a high  school  building  costing  about  $60,000,  water 
works,  electric  lighting  plant,  opera  house,  a live  weekly  newspaper,  2 banks  and  a court  house  costing 
about  $40,000.  The  industries  include  lumber  mills,  woodenware  plant,  a tannery  and  a paper  factory 
which  is  one  of  the  most  modem  in  the  United  States.  The  plant  is  in  operation  night  and  day  and  is 
mn  by  electricity. 

The  streams  throughout  the  county  are  planted  each  year  with  brook  trout,  the  nearby  lakes  teem 
with  bass  and  perch,  making  Munising  one  of  the  best  fishing  spots  in  Michigan. 

Grand  Marais,  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Superior  has  a population  of  about  1,000.  The  village  is  lighted 
by  electricity,  has  a fire  department  and  a municipal  pimiping  station.  Water  pipes  are  laid  in  all 
streets  and  water  is  furnished  to  ever>'  resident  free,  absolutely  no  charge  being  made  and  no  restric- 
tions as  to  how  much  is  used  or  for  what  purpose. 

There  are  chinches  of  the  Catholic,  Methodist  and  Episcopal  denominations,  excellent  schools, 
opera  house,  hotels  telephone  exchange,  etc.  Lumbering  is  the  principal  industry  and  fishing  is  ex- 
tensively carried  on. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Mtmising,  Marquette  and  Southeastern 
Railway,  Duluth,  South  Shore  and  Atlantic  and  the  Minn.  St.  Paul  and  Sault  Ste.  Marie  Railways. 

8 


114 


MICHIGAN 


ALLEGAN  COUNTY. 

Allcj^an  County  was  laid  out  in  1831,  and  was  named  for  an  ancient  Indian  tribe  in  the  Alleghanies. 
It  was  organized  as  a county  in  1835. 

1 1 is  located  in  the  western  tier  of  counties  near  the  southern  part  of  the  state  and  is  bounded  on  the 
entire  west  side  by  Lake  Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  529,873.41  acres,  about  475,000  acres  of  this  land  being  in  farms. 

Taxable  ])ro])crty  in  the  county  was  placed  at  a valuation  of  $38,915,767  by  the  State  Board  of 
Tax  Commissioners  in  1911. 

4'hcre  are  196  schools  in  the  county  which  were  attended  by  8,540  children  last  year  and  requiring 
a total  of  301  teachers. 

The  county  has  efficient  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service,  fourteen  banks,  eight  news- 
pa])ers,  etc. 

Allegan  is  the  county  .seat  and  has  a population  of  about  3,500.  It  is  located  on  the  Kalamazoo 
river  and  on  the  Lake  Shore  and  IMichigan  vSouthem  Railway,  the  Michigan  Central  and  the  Pere  Mar- 
quette Railways,  twenty  miles  east  of  Lake  Michigan,  thirty-three  miles  south  of  Grand  Rapids. 

It  is  the  receiving  and  distributing  point  for  a rich  and  thickly  settled  agricultural  section  and 
ships  large  quantities  of  grain  and  general  farm  produce. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a municipally  owned  water  plant,  well  paved  streets,  an  efficient 
fire  department,  eight  churches,  a splendid  high  school  and  four  ward  schools,  a public  library,  hospital, 
three  l)anks,  opera  house,  good  hotels,  a $100,000  court  house,  a $10,000  city  hall  and  two  weekly  news- 
papers. 

The  most  important  industries  comprise  the  following;  saw  and  planing  mills,  glass  factory,  foimdn,' 
and  machine  shops,  manufacturies  of  candy,  cigars,  kitchen  cabinets,  furniture,  carriages,  wagons, 
folding  boxes,  flour,  cement  blocks,  caskets,  chemicals,  vinegar,  patent  medicines,  etc. 

The  other  principal  towns  in  the  county  are:  Douglas,  Fennville,  Otsego,  Plainwell,  Saugatuck  and 
Wayland.  The  main  transportation  facilities  through  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette  Railway, 
Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Ry.,  Michigan  United  Ry.,  Michigan  Southern  Ry.  and  Grand  Rapids, 
Holland  and  Chicago  Railway. 


ALPENA  COUNTY. 

Alpena  County  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  first  called  xMiimickee,  after  a well  known  Chippewa 
Chief.  Later  the  name  was  changed  to  x-\lpena,  meaning  the  “Partridge  Country.” 

iMpena  county  was  organized  in  1857.  It  is  located  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Penin- 
sula and  is  bounded  on  the  entire  east  by  Lake  Huron.  The  land  area  of  the  county  is  371,153.39  acres 
of  which  150,000  acres  are  already  devoted  to  farms.  The  entire  population  is  given  at  19,965.  (1910 

census) . 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  the  value  of  taxable  property  in  the  county 
at  $12,949,233. 

There  are  a total  of  76  schools  requiring  the  services  of  131  teachers,  while  last  year’s  report 
shows  a total  of  3,493  children  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  good  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service. 

Alpena  is  the  judicial  seat  of  iVlpena  County,  and  has  a population  of  12,706  (U.  S.  census  1910). 
It  is  beautifully'  located  on  Thunder  Bay  at  the  mouth  of  Thunder  Bay  River,  and  is  a station  on  the 
Detroit  and  Mackinac  Railroad. 

The  City  owns  and  operates  an  excellent  water  works  system  and  electric  lighting  plant  costing 
in  the  neighborhood  of  $250,000,  has  a good  sewerage  system,  paved  streets,  a police  department.  Are 
dej^artment,  two  opera  houses,  first  class  hotels,  a $20,000  court  house,  $100,000  post-office,  public 
library,  a $75,000  depot,  a $50,000  city  hall  and  a $50,000  public  hospital  are  now  being  constructed. 
The  County  has  three  banks,  two  of  them  being  located  in  i\lpena. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1 IS 


'I'lu'  ri'liy;i(>us  jiiid  ('(lucalinnal  a(lvanla|,'t'S  arc  very  nood,  llicrr  hciii^^  chiirclic:;  of  l.lia  followiii;' 
di'iioiniiiations : Adx  ciit ist , two  Haptist,  tlu'cc  ('atliolic,  ( 'oiij^i'c^^al.ional,  I'ypiscopal,  l''rcc  McUiodiat, 
lli'liri'w,  ladU-r  Dav  Saints,  'I'wo  ('l(‘|•ma^  ICvanvjclical  l/Uthcraii,  Norwc^i.-in  lail.licran,  Methodist  iC[)i:i- 
eopal  and  I’ri'shyterian  elniri'lu's  'I'lu're  are  nine  i)nl)lie  and  six  i)aroelii;d  seliools,  also  a well  ef|nii)ped 
Inisiiu'ss  e('lle^e. 

'Pile  eity  has  three  iu'wspai>ers,  two  i)nl)lislu'd  daily  and  oiu'  weekly. 

( )ni'  linds  .Alpena  supplied  with  nunu'rous  industrial  estahlishnients,  sonic  of  which  arc  as  follows: 
laimher,  shingle  and  planing  mills,  factories  nianufacturinj^  all  kinds  of  lumber  jiroducts,  an  automobile 
factory,  pulp  works,  flour  and  ^rist  mills,  two  tanneries,  two  veneer  works,  pajicr  mill,  mattress  works, 
breweries,  elei-trie  lij^ht  iilant,  jiower  plant,  eement  works,  foundry,  ruf^  and  cigar  factories,  ciuarrics,  etc. 

A government  fish  hatchery  is  located  at  Alpena. 

'Phe  bay  forms  an  excellent  harbor  and  during  the  season  of  navigation,  steamers  bring  in  many 
visitors,  making  Al|iena  ciuite  popular  as  a summer  resort. 

A large  ])ortion  of  the  surrounding  country  is  rich,  fertile  soil,  capable  of  producing  all  cereals  and 
roots  ailapted  to  the  climate  in  abundance  as  well  as  some  very  fine  fruit. 

'Pransportation  facilities  throughout  the  county  include  the  following:  Detroit  and  Mackinac, 
Boyne  C'ity,  Gaylonl  and  Alpena  railroads,  and  the  Detroit  and  Cleveland  Navigation  Co. 

ANTRIM  COUNTY. 

Antrim  County  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  first  called  Aleegisce,  meaning  “Eagle,”  and  was 
named  after  a famous  Chippewa  Chief,  and  later,  in  1843,  it  was  changed  to  the  name  it  now  bears. 
The  name  “Antrim”  is  that  of  a county  in  the  Northeastern  part  of  Ireland. 

The  county  was  finally  organized  in  1863.  It  is  located  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  Low^er 
Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  entire  west  by  Grand  Traverse  Bay  and  Torch  Lake,  forming  a penin- 
sula of  part  of  the  coast  line. 

The  total  land  area  of  this  county  is  305,558.44  acres,  with  nearly  120,000  acres  already  in  splendid 
farms. 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  given  out  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  SIO.865,174. 

The  population  is  15,692  (1910  census). 

Antrim  County  has  a total  of  78  schools,  employing  136  teachers  and  an  attendance  of  3,495  children 
last  year. 

There  is  good  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  route  service  in  the  county. 

Bellaire  is  the  capital  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  1,400.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere 
Marquette,  East  Jordan  and  Southern  Railroads,  37  miles  south  of  Charlevoix. 

There  are  Congregational,  Methodist  and  Catholic  churches,  good  schools,  electric  lighting  plant, 
a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper.  A few  of  the  industries  include:  Feed  and  grist  mills,  saw  mdls,  etc. 

Other  important  towns  of  the  county  include:  Elk  Rapids,  Alancelona  and  Central  Lake. 

Elk  Rapids  is  a towm  of  about  1,800  inhabitants  and  is  picturesquely  located  on  Grand  Traverse 
Bay  at  the  mouth  of  the  Elk  River  and  is  a station  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Ry.,  34  miles  southwest  of 
Bellaire.  The  town  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a fine  water  system,  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Alethod- 
ist.  Catholic,  Gennan  Reformed,  Presbyterian  and  Norwegian  Lutheran  denominations,  a $24,000 
school  building,  good  public  library,  a bank  and  two  weekly  newspapers.  There  is  a good  market  for 
apples,  potatoes,  peas  and  other  fanu  products  which  are  raised  in  the  vicinity.  Manufacturing  indus- 
tries include  an  Iron  and  Chemical  Co.,  saw  and  flour  mills  and  a cigar  factory. 

Mancelona,  located  12  miles  southeast  of  Bellaire  on  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  R.  R.  has  a 
poiDulation  the  same  as  that  of  Elk  Rapids.  It  is  surrounded  by  a fertile  tributary  section  with  agricul- 
tural resources  and  possibilities,  making  it  rich  in  opportunities  and  for  which  it  is  the  trade  center. 

There  are  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Gennan  Refonn  and  Catholic 
denominations,  a good  school  system,  a township  librar}',  opera  house,  good  hotels,  a bank  and  two 


116 


MICHIGAN 


weekly  newspapers.  There  are  a number  of  prosperous  industries,  including  saw  mills,  planing  mills, 
flour  mill,  creamery,  and  manufactories  of  veneer,  screens,  brooms,  hoops,  cheese  box  material,  gasoline 
engines,  etc. 

Central  Lake  has  a population  of  about  1,000  and  is  located  8 miles  north  of  Bellaire  on  the  Pere 
Marquette  R.  R.  It  is  well  known  as  a summer  resort.  Has  Congregational,  Free  Methodist  and 
Methodist  Episcopal  churches,  good  schools,  electric  lighting,  two  banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana,  Pere  Marquette, 
Boyne  City,  Gaylord  and  Alpena,  Detroit  and  Charlevoix  and  the  East  Jordan  and  Southern  Railroads, 
and  the  Northern  Michigan  Trans.  Co. 


ARENAC  COUNTY. 

Arenac  county  was  laid  out  in  1831,  and  in  1857  it  was  incorporated  into  the  newly  formed  Bay 
County.  In  1883  it  was  re-established  wdth  its  present  limits.  It  is  located  in  the  northeastern  part 
of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  entirely  on  the  east  by  Saginaw  Bay. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  235,097.58  acres,  of  which  about  115,000  acres  are  good  pro- 
ductive farms. 

The  last  census  taken  in  1910,  gives  Arenac  a population  of  9,640  inhabitants. 

There  are  forty-five  schools  in  the  county,  with  an  enrollment  of  2,665  children,  requiring  the  ser- 
vices of  75  teachers.  Also  seven  banks  and  three  newspapers. 

Standish  is  the  county  seat  and  has  a population  of  about  1,000.  It  is  located  on  the  middle  branch 
of  the  Pine  River  and  on  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad. 

The  town  is  well  located,  being  but  five  miles  west  of  the  shore  of  Saginaw  Bay  and  28  miles  north 
of  Bay  City.  It  is  the  trade  center  of  a productive  contributory  section.  It  is  modem  in  many  respects, 
having  broad,  shaded  and  well  laid  out  streets,  a good  electric  lighting  plant,  an  abundance  of  pure 
water,  good  sewerage  system,  fire  department,  churches  of  the  Baptist,  Catholic,  Christian,  Congrega- 
tional and  Methodist  denominations,  good  public  school  system,  court  house,  opera  house,  good  hotels, 
two  banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Other  important  towns  of  the  County  are  Au  Gres  and  Omer. 

The  main  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Detroit  and  Mackinac  and  the  Michigan 
Central  Railroads. 


BAY  COUNTY. 

Bay  County  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  at  that  time  called  Arenac.  In  1857  it  was  organized 
and  took  the  name  of  Bay,  because  of  its  location  on  the  Bay  of  Saginaw. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  284,626.69  acres  of  which  about  215,000  acres  are  in  good  farms. 

Bay  County  is  located  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  entirely  on  the 
east  by  Saginaw  Bay.  It  has  a population  of  68,238.  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  the  value  of  taxable  land  throughout  the 
county  at  $39,331,544. 

There  are  a total  of  93  schools  with  an  enrollment  of  12,085  children,  requiring  322  teachers. 

The  county  has  17  banks,  8 newspapers,  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  route  service. 

Bay  City  is  the  county  .seat  and  has  a population  of  45,166.  (U.  S.  census  1910).  It  is  a natural 

railroad,  deep  water,  and  manufacturing  center,  and  occupies  an  ideal  location  at  a point  where  the 
Saginaw  river  flows  into  Saginaw  Bay,  and  is  surrounded  by  a rich  and  productive  farming  section.  It 
is  a little  more  than  100  miles  north  of  Detroit,  the  chief  city  of  the  State. 

It  has  nearly  200  miles  of  streets;  35  miles  of  paving;  over  100  miles  of  sewers;  25  miles  of  electric 
street  railway;  50  miles  of  gas  mains;  10  public  parks  covering  35  acres  and  valued  at  $600,000;  a water 
works  plant  valued  at  $1,000,000;  100  miles  of  water  mains;  a $147,000  municipal  electric  lighting  plant; 
a fire  department  comprising  ten  station  houses;  a police  department;  18  public  school  buildings;  19 


M I ( ' 1 1 I ( '.  A N 


117 


p:inu'l>i;il  si'liools;  pul'lit'  lil)rary;  llicalirs;  liospilals;  first  class  hotels;  H liaiiks;  a $.<00,000  city  hall; 
State  armorv,  an  $St),000  M.  A.,  a $200,000  post-olfice,  and  lieautiful  churc:hc';  of  nearly  every 
ilenonhnation. 

'fhere  are  two  daily  and  three  weekly  newspapers  pnhiished  in  May  (aty. 

In  1S()0,  the  inexhanstihle  salt  hasin  that  nnderlies  this  section  was  tapped,  the  success  oi  which 
resnlteil  in  the  inannfuctnre  of  salt,  which  has  since  developed  into  iinnicnse  yiroportions.  The  first 
Meet  siiiyar  plant  to  be  erected  in  the  State  was  built  in  Hay  City  in  1808.  Since  then  other  laryye  and 
modern  beet  snyyar  plants  have  been  pnt  into  operation,  d'he  beet  snyyar  industry  has  proved  to  be  a 
larj;:e  factor  in  the  sneoess  of  this  locality  as  a manufacturing  community. 

t'lose  to  the  limits  of  the  city  arc  coal  mines  with  a large  annual  output,  which  are  now  supplying 
some  of  the  railroads  ami  many  manufacturing  plants. 

The  fishing  on  Saginaw  Hay  gives  em[)loyment  to  a large  number  of  people.  Pickerel,  bass,  white- 
fish,  perch,  cattish,  sturgeon  and  other  fish  are  caught. 

'fhe  city’s  industries  include  saw  mills,  sash  and  door  factories,  largest  plant  in  the  United  States 
for  making  wooden  j^ipc,  large  woodenwarc  factory,  veneer  works,  hardwood  flooring  mill,  large  Port- 
land cement  plant,  railroad  locomotive  wrecking  crane  works,  denatured  alcohol  plant,  chemical  Co.,  etc. 

Other  important  cities  of  the  county  are  Pinconning  and  Essexville. 

Pinconning  with  a population  of  about  800  is  located  on  the  Michigan  Central  and  Detroit  and 
Mackinac  Railroads,  and  on  the  Pinconning  river  miles  from  Saginaw  Bay  and  19  miles  above  Bay 
City.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  Catholic,  Gennan  Lutheran,  Methodist  and  Presbyterian  churches, 
public  school,  library,  2 banks,  a weekly  newspaper,  water  works,  etc. 

Essex\'ille  is  a town  of  about  1,600  and  is  located  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Saginaw  river  near  its 
mouth,  and  about  3 miles  below  Bay  City,  of  which  it  is  in  fact,  a suburb.  Has  Baptist,  Congregational 
and  Catholic  clmrches,  sugar  factory,  chemical  works,  shingle  mill,  etc.  A street  railway  affords  com- 
munication with  Bay  City. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Michigan  Central,  Pere  Marquette  Grand 
Trunk,  Detroit  and  Mackinac  Railroads,  The  Erie  and  Michigan  Ry.  and  Navigation  Co.,  and  the 
Saginaw  and  Bay  City  Electric. 


BARAGA  COUNTY. 

Baraga  County  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1875.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Bishop  Frederick 
Baraga,  the  great  Indian  apostle  of  the  Northwest,  who  labored  among  the  Indians  from  1831  until  his 
death  in  1868. 

This  cormty  is  located  in  the  northwest  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  almost  entirely 
on  the  north  by  that  part  of  Lake  Superior  known  as  Keweenaw  Bay. 

It  has  a land  area  of  583,805.56  acres,  of  which  about  35,000  acres  are  already  in  farms. 

1910  censiis  gives  Baraga  a popiilation  of  about  6,127. 

In  1911  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a value  of  $7,613,642  on  all  taxable  property. 

The  County  has  a good  school  system.  There  are  31  schools,  requiring  49  teachers  and  last  year’s 
report  shows  a total  of  1,611  children  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service.  There  are  two  banks  and  two  weekly 
newspapers,  one  published  in  Baraga  and  the  the  other  at  L’Anse. 

L’Anse  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  1,000.  The  town  is  located 
at  the  head  of  L’Anse  Bay  on  the  Duluth,  South  Shore  and  Atlantic  Railway,  32  miles  south  of  Houghton 
and  63  miles  northwest  of  Marquette.  It  is  almost  ideal  as  a summer  resort,  with  a climate  delight- 
fully cool  and  refreshing,  and  within  a short  distance,  are  streams  well  supplied  wdth  brook  trout,  while 
deer  and  other,  game  are  plentift:!. 

L’Anse  has  electric  street  lights,  water  works,  fire  department,  court  house,  good  schools,  good 
hotel,  towm  haU  and  a progressive  newspaper.  There  are  also  a number  of  slate,  graphite  and  brown- 
stone  quarries  in  the  immediate  vicinity. 


118 


M I C II  I G A N 


Baraga  is  a station  on  the  Duluth,  wSouth  Shore  and  Atlantic  Railway  and  is  located  on  Keweenaw 
Bay,  live  miles  by  rail  or  two  across  the  bay  from  L’Ansc  and  twenty-six  miles  south  of  Houghton.  The 
beauty  of  location,  the  coolness  of  the  climate  and  surrounded  as  it  is  by  excellent  trout  streams,  make 
it  an  ideal  summer  resort. 

Transportation  facilities  are  the  Duluth,  S.  Shore  and  Atlantic,  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul 
and  the  Mineral  Range  Railroads. 


BARRY  COUNTY. 

Barry  County  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1829  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Post  Master  General, 
William  T.  Barry. 

d'he  county  is  located  near  the  southwestern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  by  Kent 
and  Ionia  counties  on  the  north,  Eaton  county  on  the  east,  Kalamazoo  and  Calhoun  counties  on  the 
south  and  Allegan  county  on  the  west. 

The  entire  acreage  of  the  county  is  given  as  354,029.41  acres,  of  which  almost  340,000  acres  are  de- 
voted to  excellent  farms. 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a value  of  $21,175,834  upon  all  taxable  land 
in  the  county. 

The  county  has  a good  school  system  throughout,  there  being  a total  of  145  schools  requiring  210 
teachers,  with  an  enrollment  of  4,575  children.  Excellent  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  servdee 
is  found  in  every  locality.  There  are  also  8 banks  and  8 newspapers. 

Hastings,  with  a population  of  about  5,000,  is  the  county  seat,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  E.  P. 
Hastings,  formally  a well-known  citizen  of  Detroit.  It  is  located  on  the  Michigan  Central  and  the 
Chicago,  Kalamazoo  and  Saginaw  Railroads,  and  on  the  Thomapple  river,  32  miles  southeast  of  Grand 
Rapids. 

The  city  is  modem,  having  electricity,  gas,  water  works,  fire  department,  churches  of  the  Adventist, 
Baptist,  Catholic,  Christian  Science,  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Presbyterian  and  United  Brethem 
denominations,  excellent  public  schools,  first  class  hotels,  an  opera  house,  a good  court  house,  2 banks 
and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

There  are  numerous  manufacturing  interests,  among  them  being  a large  felt  boot  factory,  large 
table  factory,  book-case  factory,  chair  factory,  international  lock  and  seal  factory,  press  and  tool  factory, 
kitchen  cabinet  factory,  planing  and  flour  mills,  cigar  factories,  gas  works  and  an  electric  light  and  power 
plant. 

Other  towns  in  the  county  are  Nashville,  Freeport  and  Middleville. 

Transportation  facilities  include  the  Michigan  Central,  Pere  Marquette,  Chicago  Kalamazoo  and 
Saginaw  Railroads,  and  Michigan  United  Traction  Co. 

BENZIE  COUNTY. 

In  1863  the  county  of  Benzie  was  laid  out  and  organized,  being  taken  from  the  lower  part  of  Lee- 
lanau County.  The  derivation  is  uncertain,  one  explanation  being  that  it  is  a corruption  of  “Betsey,” 
the  name  of  a river  mnning  through  the  county,  which  in  turn  is  a corruption  of  the  French  name  of 
the  river.  Riviere  Aux  Bee  Scies,  and  is  a translation  of  the  Indian  name  of  the  river  Uns-zig-o-ze-bee. 
Another  explanation  is  that  it  was  taken  from  the  word  “Benzonia,”  a place  located  in  that  county 
and  which  was  the  county  seat. 

Benzie  county  is  located  in  the  Northwestern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Leelanau  County,  on  the  east  by  Grand  Traverse  county,  on  the  .south  by  Manistee  county 
and  on  the  west  by  Lake  Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  is  204,192.43  acres,  98,588  acres  of  which  are  devoted  to  famis. 

The  federal  census  of  1910  gives  the  county  a population  of  about  10,638. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1 10 


III  1011,  the  Stall'  Hoard  of  'I'ax  ( 'ommir.sioiici';  iilarcd  a \alualioii  of  S0,.<ld,lld  on  all  l.axahN' 

land. 

A si'hool  sNsti'in  is  hv  no  inran;;  larUiii)^'  in  Mni/.ii'  county,  there  hein^;  a total  of  57  schools,  fnrni  .h- 
iu^  positions  for  HKI  teachers  and  has  an  enrolhnent  of  2,702  children. 

(iood  telephone,  tele^;rai>h  and  rural  mail  si-rviee  is  to  he  fonnd. 

'I'he  county  has  1 hanks  and  (>  ne\vs|)ai)ers. 

'I'lie  jndieial  seat  of  the  eonnfy  is  Ilonor,  a little  town  of  ahont  550  inhahitants.  It  is  located  on 
the  I’lalte  river  and  on  the  Mtnhstee  and  Norlhetistern,  and  Here  ManinetU'  Railroads. 

It  has  a ('on,v;re!tational  ehnreli,  a newspaia-r,  a hank,  hotels,  saw  and  veneer  mills,  etc. 

Other  towns  of  the  eonnty  include  hh'ankfort,  Menzonia,  Lake  Ann,  Alherta,  and  'riiompsonvillc. 

h'rankfort.  with  a popnlation  of  over  1,()0(),  is  the  lar}j;cst  town  in  Henzic  county.  It  is  a port  of 
entry  on  Lake  Miehi}:;an,  located  on  the  Ann  Arhor  Railroad,  16  miles  southwest  of  Ilonor,  the  County 
Seat.  2S  miles  from  Manistee,  and  40  miles  from  Traver.se  City.  It  is  picturesquely  situated  and  has  a 
ma};nifieent  harbor  with  ei<;hteen  feet  of  water  in  the  channel.  It  has  a lighthouse  and  life  .saving  station; 
is  supplied  with  electric  light  and  water  works;  churches  of  several  denominations;  a twenty-five  thous- 
and dollar  school  building;  library;  hotels,  and  a daily  newspaper.  During  the  season,  numerous  lines 
of  steamers  connect  hTankfort  with  Manistee,  Milwaukee  and  Chicago,  Mackinac,  Charlevoix,  Manis- 
tique  and  other  points  north,  also  Ann  Arbor  car  ferries  which  run  the  year  round.  Like  many  other 
sections  of  Benzie  county,  .Frankfort  is  a great  fruit  center,  there  being  many  acres  of  land  in  that  county 
adapted  to  the  raising  of  fruits. 

Benzonia  has  a population  about  the  same  as  that  of  Honor.  The  two  towns  being  within  6 miles 
of  each  other.  Has  a Congregational  church,  the  Benzonia  Academy  (a  Congregational  institution), 
a batik  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  main  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  arc  the  Pere  Marquette,  Manistee  and  Xorth- 
eastcni  and  the  Ann  Arbor  Railroads.  Also  the  Northern  Michigan  Trans.  Co. 

BERRIEN  COUNTY. 

Berrien  County  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1829  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Attorney  General 
John  M.  Berrien. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  southwest  comer  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  in  what  is  known 
as  the  heart  of  Michigan’s  original  fmit  belt.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Van  Buren  county,  on 
the  east,  by  Van  Buren  and  Cass  counties,  on  the  south  by  Indiana  and  on  the  West  by  Lake 
Michigan. 

This  county  has  a total  land  area  of  362,981.63  acres,  of  which  333,326  acres  are  devoted  to  splendid 
farms.  The  county  has  a population  of  about  53,622  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  a valuation  of  $65,105,048  was  placed  on  all  taxable  lands  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Com- 
missioners. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  any  in  the  state,  there  being  in  all  160  schools,  requiring  the 
services  of  365  teachers,  with  an  enrollment  last  year  of  10,837  students. 

All  parts  of  the  county  are  equipped  with  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  mral  mail  servdee. 

There  are  18  banks  and  18  newspapers,  five  of  which  are  published  daily. 

St.  Joseph  is  the  county  seat  and  has  a population  of  about  6,000.  It  is  beautifidly  located  on  the 
east  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  at  the  mouth  of  the  St.  Joseph  river  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette  and  Mich- 
igan Central  Railroads  63  miles  by  water  from  Chicago  and  90  miles  from  Aldwaukee. 

The  natural  advantages  of  convenient  transportation  routes  by  rail  or  by  water,  the  added  attrac- 
tion of  a beautiful  and  exceptionally*  healthful  location,  the  interest  centering  in  scenic  environs, 
fishing,  boating  and  other  amusements,  have  made  this  one  of  the  most  popular  summer  resorts  in 
the  state.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity',  has  broad,  shaded,  well  paved  streets,  water  works,  fire 
department,  sanitary'  sewerage  sy'stem,  two  banks,  first  class  hotels,  trolley  sy'stem,  public  library*. 


120 


MICHIGAN 


churches  of  the  Catholic,  Church  of  God,  Congregational,  Episcopal,  German,  Baptist,  German 
ICvangelical,  German  Lutheran,  German  United  Evangelical,  Methodist  and  Swedish  Lutheran 
^Icnominations,  public  school  system. 

Large  ejuantities  of  fruit  that  grow  in  this  section  are  shipped  from  St.  Joseph.  Two  daily  and 
three  weekly  newspapers  are  published.  Some  of  the  city’s  important  industrial  establishments  are 
basket  and  fruit  package  factories,  knit  goods  factory,  iron  works,  sash  and  door  factory,  paper  mill, 
flour  and  planing  mills,  door,  map,  air  rifle,  electrical  machinery,  boiler  and  washing  machine  factories. 

It  is  connected  with  Benton  Harbor,  one  mile  distant,  by  electric  railway. 

Benton  Harbor,  the  largest  city  in  the  county,  has  a population  of  about  10,000.  It  is  63  miles  by 
water  from  Chicago,  90  miles  by  rail,  and  94  from  Milwaukee  and  is  on  the  Pere  Marquette  and  Mich- 
igan Central  Railroads,  near  the  confluence  of  the  Paw  Paw  and  St.  Joseph  rivers,  one  mile  inland  from 
the  mouth  of  the  latter  on  Lake  Michigan  and  connected  therewith  by  a ship  canal  of  sufficient  depth 
to  receive  the  largest  lake  steamers  and  affording  one  of  the  best  harbors  on  the  shore.  It  is  the  center 
of  a great  fruit  growing  district  and  one  of  the  most  important  fruit  shipping  ports  on  the  lake. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has  water  works,  an  efficient  fire  department,  police  de- 
partment, electric  street  railway,  wide,  shaded  and  well  paved  streets,  excellent  sewerage,  handsome 
churches  of  many  denominations,  fine  school  system,  public  library,  opera  house,  3 banks,  first  class 
hotels,  4 wholesale  fruit  houses  and  3 progressive  newspapers,  2 of  which  are  published  daily  and  1 
weekly.  Eastman  Springs,  a well-known  health  resort  is  located  1 mile  east  and  is  connected  by  car 
line.  The  city’s  principal  manufacturing  industries  include  one  of  the  largest  book  binding  and  loose 
leaf  plants  in  the  world,  malleable  foundry  plants,  metal  sectional  furniture  factory,  lumber  mills,  saw 
and  planing  mills,  box  and  fruit  package  factories,  wagon  and  buggy  factory,  pickle,  cider  and  vinegar 
works,  ornamental  stamping  works,  metal  and  iron  company,  flour  and  feed  mills,  garment  factory, 
cigar  factories,  also  manufactories  of  saw  filing  machinery,  brooms,  gas  engines,  tents  and  awnings,  etc. 

Other  principal  towns  of  the  county  are  Berrien  Springs,  Buchanan,  Coloma,  Watervliet,  Three 
Oaks,  New  Buffalo,  Niles,  and  Eau  Clair.  The  principal  transportation  facilities  are  the  Michigan 
Central,  Pere  Marquette,  Southern  Mich,  (electric),  the  Graham  & Morton  Trans.  Co.,  Benton  Transit 
Co.,  and  the  Benton  Harbor  & St.  Joseph  Ry. 


BRANCH  COUNTY. 

Branch  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1829  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Secretary  of  Navy, 
John  Branch. 

It  is  located  in  the  middle  of  the  lower  tier  of  counties  in  the  lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on 
the  north  by  Calhoun  county,  on  the  east  by  Hillsdale  county,  on  the  south  by  Indiana  and  on  the  west 
by  St.  Joseph  county.  The  entire  population  is  25,605  (1910  census.) 

The  total  land  area  is  320,719.92  acres,  of  which  about  307,000  acres  are  in  farms. 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $33,297,585  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

There  are  131  schools,  an  enrollment  of  4,856  scholars,  requiring  the  services  of  211  teachers. 

The  county  has  nine  banks,  one  daily  and  six  newspapers.  Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service  can  be  found  in  every  locality. 

The  capital  city  of  Branch  is  Coldwater,  a city  of  about  6,000  inhabitants.  It  is  located  on  the 
Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Ry.,  43  miles  southwest  of  Jackson  and  65  miles  south  of  Lansing. 
The  name  “Coldwatex  ” is  an  interpretation  of  the  Indian  word  applied  to  the  beautiful  group  of  lakes 
in  the  vicinity.  The  city  has  wide  and  well  laid  out  streets,  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  good  sewerage 
system,  municipal  water  works  and  electric  lighting  plant,  fire  department,  a $12,000  public  Library, 
three  banks,  opera  house,  hospital,  a $50,000  post  office,  public  Hall,  good  hotels,  one  weekly  and  two 
daily  newspapers. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


]>] 


'I'lu'  various  iuiluslrii's  iiu-ludi'  a I’oimdry,  creamery,  y;as  li^liL  and  fuel  plant,,  planinj'  mills,  maeliine 
sl>op,  brass  works,  llour  mill,  i'arriay;e  fai’lory,  eemeiit,  plant  and  mannfaetories  of  ladder:;,  eij'ars,  y.'eioliiie 
en);ines,  lawn  fnrnitnri',  wooden  novelties,  mediiine,  eastings,  etc.  l''onr  public  schools,  elmrches  of 
the  leadinj,;  ili'iiominations,  the  Stati'  Public  School,  eonsistinjj  of  IH  buildings  and  occni)yin^  160  acres, 
is  locatcil  in  ('oldwatt'r.  'The  snrroimdin^^  country  is  a rielt  and  productive  aj^ricnltnral  section. 

'The  other  prineipal  towns  ari'  Bronson,  vSherwood,  Union  ('ity  and  (Jnincy. 

Transportation  faeilities  of  the  county  are  the  Lake  Shore  atul  Michigan  Southern  and  the  Michigan 
C'entral  Railroails. 


CALHOUN  COUNTY. 

C'alhonn  county  was  laid  out  in  1820.  In  1833  it  was  organized  and  named  in  honor  of  Vice-Presi- 
dent. John  C.  Calhoun. 

It  is  kK'ated  in  the  southern  i)art  of  the  lower  peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Barry  and 
Eaton  counties,  on  the  east  by  Jackson  county,  on  the  south  by  Branch  and  Hillsdale  counties  and  on 
the  west  by  Kalamazoo  county. 

Calhoun  has  a total  land  area  of  447,452.44  acres,  of  which  411,801  acres  are  already  devoted  to 
fanns. 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911 
is  $73,846,732. 

The  county  is  well  supplied  with  schools,  there  being  a total  of  185,  supplying  positions  for  409 
teachers  with  an  enrollment  of  10,747  students. 

The  total  popvdation  is  56,638  (1910  census). 

There  are  11  banks,  four  daily  and  nine  weekly  newspapers,  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  route 
ser\dce. 

Marshall,  which  is  the  county  seat,  has  a population  of  about  5,000  and  is  located  at  the  confluence 
of  Rice  Creek  with  the  Kalamazoo  River  and  on  the  Michigan  Central  and  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan 
Southern  Railways,  and  the  Michigan  United  Railway.  (Electric) 

The  city  owns  an  electric  lighting  plant,  the  power  for  which  is  generated  by  the  water  power  which 
was  purchased  by  the  city.  The  city  also  owns  its  own  system  of  water  works,  which  cost  about  $50,000. 
It  has  a good  school  system,  ten  churches  of  different  denominations,  two  banks  and  three  daily  news- 
papers, also  a court  house  costing  about  $80,000.  The  grounds  of  the  Calhoun  Agricultural  Society 
are  also  located  here.  Among  the  most  prominent  manufactories  are  flouring  mills,  cigar  factories, 
furniture  factory,  carriage  factory,  a creamery  and  cold  storage  food  factory,  two  furnace  factories, 
marble  and  granite  works,  also  foundry  and  machine  shops. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  include  Albion,  Athens,  Battle  Creek,  Burlington  and  Homer.  The 
most  important  of  these  are  Albion  and  Battle  Creek. 

The  population  of  Battle  Creek  is  about  30,000.  It  is  located  at  the  confluence  of  the  Battle  Creek 
and  Kalamazoo  rivers;  on  the  Michigan  Central  and  Grand  Trunk  Railroads,  and  on  the  Michigan 
L'nited  Traction  Co.  It  is  13  miles  west  of  Marshall,  the  county  seat,  45  miles  southwest  of  Lansing 
and  23  miles  east  of  Kalamazoo. 

Battle  Creek’s  manufactories  include  threshing  machines,  portable  engines,  health  foods,  stoves, 
oven  racks,  paper  roofing,  tables,  paper,  boilers,  electrical  goods,  wire  novelties,  steam  pumps,  printing 
presses,  woodworking  machinery,  flour,  sash,  door  and  blinds,  brass  goods,  furniture,  printing  ink,  rail- 
road cars  and  engines,  etc.  One  of  the  large  engine  shops  of  the  Grand  Trunk  System,  erected  at  a cost 
of  about  $2,000,000  is  located  here.  This  is  also  the  home  of  the  Battle  Creek  Sanitarium,  which  is  the 
largest  of  its  kind  in  the  world. 

There  are  4 banks,  14  public  and  2 parochial  schools,  including  a new  high  school  building  which 
has  just  been  completed  at  a cost  of  about  $90,000,  and  a beautifid  public  library.  The  religions  of 
the  city  are  represented  by  many  handsome  churches,  of  which  the  most  prominent  are  the  Baptist, 


122 


.MICHIGAN 


Adventist,  Conj^regational,  Episcopal,  German  Evangelical,  and  Methodist.  The  city  has  8 first  class 
hotels,  8 daily  newsjiapcrs  and  5 monthly  publications,  electricity  and  gas,  a municipally  owned  water 
plant  which  cost  about  $800, ()()(),  well  equipped  fire  departments  and  a post-office  building  costing 
$150,000. 

The  country  surrounding  Battle  Creek  is  very  productive  and  wheat,  oats,  corn,  hay,  fruits  and 
garden  products  arc  raised  in  abundance.  Electric  street  car  lines  connect  with  all  surrounding  points. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central  and  the  Lake  Shore 
and  Michigan  Southern  Railroads,  and  the  Michigan  United  Railway  Co. 


CASS  COUNTY. 

In  1829,  the  county  of  Cass  was  laid  out  and  organized,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Louis  Cass, 
then  Territorial  Governor. 

The  county  is  located  in  the  .southwestern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  VanBuren  county,  on  the  cast  by  St.  Joseph  county,  on  the  south  by  Indiana  and  on  the  west 
by  Berrien  county. 

Nineteen  hundred  ten  census  gives  Cass  county  a population  of  about  20,604. 

The  total  land  area  comprises  816,898.00  acres.  Of  this  number,  295,485  acres  are  devoted  to 
fanns  which  are  wonderfully  productive,  and  in  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed 
a valuation  of  $24,517,691  on  all  taxable  lands. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  any  of  the  larger  counties,  there  being  114  schools,  attended 
by  4,008  children  and  requiring  170  teachers. 

Telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service  can  be  found  in  every  community  throughout  the 
county. 

There  are  10  banks,  1 daily  and  5 weekly  newspapers. 

Cassopolis  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  1,500.  It  is  located  on 
the  Michigan  Central  and  Grand  Tnmk  Railroads,  14  miles  northeast  of  Niles  and  89  miles  southwest 
of  Jackson.  The  town  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  a fire  department,  handsome  court 
house,  opera  house,  two  banks,  churches  of  the  Baptist,  Methodist,  Presbyterian,  African  Methodist, 
Episcopal  and  African  Baptist  denominations,  excellent  educational  advantages,  and  two  weekly  news- 
papers. 

Among  the  other  thriving  communities  of  the  county  are  Uowagiac,  Alarcellus  and  Vandalia. 

Dowagiac  is  an  enterprising  city  of  5,088  inhabitants,  (1910  census),  and  is  located  on  the  Michigan 
Central  and  Benton  Harbor  and  St.  Joseph  Railways,  and  on  a branch  of  the  Dowagiac  river.  It  is 
10  miles  northwest  of  Cassopolis. 

The  city  is  situated  in  the  heart  of  one  of  the  finest  agricultural  districts  in  the  state,  is  well  laid 
out  with  wide,  well  paved  and  shaded  streets,  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  municipally  owned  water 
works,  fire  department,  opera  house,  8 banks,  3 newspapers,  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Christian, 
Catholic,  Baptist,  Disciples  and  Methodist  denominations,  a public  school  system  on  a plane  with  any 
city  of  its  size  in  the  state,  public  library  and  a ladies  library.  Among  the  leading  industries  are  manu- 
factories of  stoves  and  furnaces,  carriages,  wagons,  auto  carriages,  grain  seeders,  flour,  cigars,  carriage 
tops,  leather  novelties,  sash  doors,  lumber,  axles,  cabinets,  brooms,  tanks,  oils,  etc. 

Marcellus  has  a population  of  about  1,100  and  is  a station  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  14  miles 
northwest  of  Cassopolis;  has  Baptist,  Evangelical,  Methodist  and  United  Brethern  ehurches,  publie 
hall,  water  works,  eleetric  lighting  plant,  2 banks  and  a newspaper. 

The  Michigan  Central,  Grand  Trunk  Railways  and  the  Benton  Harbor  and  St.  Joseph  Electrie  Ry., 
are  the  prineipal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


l.^^ 


('ll  AUlJCVf  )IX  ('()l'^''l'^^ 

('h;irli'\  (iix  I’oimty  was  laid  out  in  IS  10  .'ind  was  al  that  lime  callisl  Kcslikaiiko,  I lie  ii.'imc  of  a Icad- 
iii);  child'  of  the  ('hippewas.  In  ISdd  the  name  was  ehanp'ed  to  ( 'h.'irlevoix  in  honor  of  I’ierre  l-'raneois 
Xa\  ier  de  ( 'liarle\'oix,  the  h'reneli  Ji-snit  Missionary,  traveler  and  historian,  d'he  county  was  or).'ani/-(d 
diirinp  the  year  1S()‘). 

It  is  located  in  the  northwestern  ])art  of  the  Lower  I’eninsnka;  is  hounded  on  the  north  hy  ICmmet 
county,  east  hy  ('liehoyj^an  and  (ttsejjo  eonntios,  on  the  south  hy  Otsej'o  and  Antrim  counties  and  on 
the  west  hy  Lake  Miehiy[an. 

'I'lie  total  land  area  is  26(),22  LOS  acres,  127,625  acres  of  which  arc  devoted  to  farms. 

d'he  population  is  16,157  (1610  census). 

'Phere  are  77  schools  in  Charlevoix  county,  with  an  enrollment  of  about  4,536  students,  requiring 
the  services  of  163  teachers. 

4'hcre  are  7 hanks,  one  daily  and  six  weekly  newspapers  in  the  county,  also  telegraph,  telephone 
and  niral  mail  scr\'ice. 

CharlcN'oix  is  the  capital  city  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  2,500.  It  is  beautifully 
located  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  at  the  entrance  to  Pine  Lake  and  its  ideal  attractions  and  many 
channs  have  made  it  famous  as  a summer  resort.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere  Marciuette  Railroad,  210 
miles  north  of  Crand  Rapids.  The  city  owns  and  controls  its  own  electric  light  and  water  plants,  has 
churches  of  the  Baptist,  Congregational,  E]nscopal,  Methodist  and  Catholic  denominations,  an  up-to- 
date  public  school  system,  public  library,  good  hotels,  2 banks,  an  opera  house  and  two  weekly  news- 
papers. 

There  are  saw  and  shingle  mills,  and  manufactories  of  flour,  beet  sugar,  cement,  boilers,  boats  and 
launches,  nrstic  furniture  and  bridges.  A large  shipping  trade  is  done  in  wood,  bark,  ties,  cedar  posts, 
lumber  and  fish. 

Other  cities  of  importance  are  Boyne  City,  Boyne  Falls  and  East  Jordan. 

Boyne  City  has  a population  of  5,218  (1610  census),  is  located  on  the  Boyne  City,  Gaylord  and  Al- 
pena Ry.,  and  Pine  Lake,  16  miles  southeast  of  Charlevoix.  The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  per- 
fect natural  drainage  supplemented  by  a splendid  sewerage  system,  fire  department,  paved  streets  and 
good  water  for  domestic  and  industrial  purposes.  In  the  hills  surrounding  the  city  to  the  north  and 
south  is  a never  failing  supply  of  flowing  wells  and  spring  water  which  is  furnished  to  users  through 
16  miles  of  mains.  There  are  churches  of  the  Baptist,  Evangelical,  German  Evangelical,  Methodist, 
Presbyterian  and  Roman  Catholic  denominations,  a first  class  public  school  system,  2 banks,  first-class 
hotels,  a hospital  and  two  newspapers. 

In  the  list  of  manufacturing  industries  of  Boyne  City,  that  of  the  manufacture  of  lumber  constitutes 
one  of  the  most  important  industries.  The  city  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the  largest  manufacturing 
centers  in  the  state  for  lumber,  lath,  shingles,  flooring,  veneer,  sash,  doors,  and  other  timber  products, 
as  well  as  for  furniture  and  carriages.  The  industrial  interests  include  some  of  the  largest  hard  wood 
lumber  mills  in  the  world,  large  veneer  plant,  planing  mills,  largest  shingle  plant  in  the  State,  manufac- 
tories of  boxes  and  baskets,  charcoal,  brick  and  tile,  chemicals,  etc.  Principal  transportation  facilities 
of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Boyne  City,  Gaylord  and  Alpena,  Detroit  and  Charlevoix,  Grand 
Rapids  and  Indiana  Rys.,  and  the  Northern  Michigan  Transit  Co. 


CHEBOYGAN  COUNTY. 

Cheboygan  County  was  laid  out  and  named  in  1840,  and  was  organized  in  1853.  It  was  named 
from  a river  of  the  same  name  and  has  many  meanings  ascribed  to  it. 

The  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Lake  Huron,  on  the  east  by  Presque  Isle  county,  on  the  south  by  Otsego  and  Montmorency 
coiinties  and  on  the  west  by  Charlevoix  and  Emmet  counties. 


124 


M I C II  I G A N 


The  total  land  area  comprises  462,439.73  acres.  Of  this  number  120,418  acres  are  devoted  to 
famis.  It  lias  a total  population  of  17,872  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $12,003,821. 

The  county  has  splendid  educational  advantages.  There  are  in  all,  84  schools,  requiring  139 
teachers,  with  a total  enrollment  of  4,138  students. 

There  are  6 banks,  1 daily  and  3 weekly  newspapers  in  the  county,  also  telegraph,  telephone  and 
rural  mail  service. 

Cheboygan  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  8,000.  It  is  a thriving 
manufacturing  and  shipping  point  and  the  lake  port  of  one  of  the  best  farming  sections  in  Michigan, 
located  in  the  Straits  of  Mackinac  at  the  mouth  of  the  Cheboygan  and  Black  rivers  and  on  the  Mich. 
Central  and  the  Detroit  and  Mackinac  Railroads. 

In  addition  to  its  rail  facilities,  it  has  many  boat  lines  connecting  with  nearly  every  large  port  on 
the  lakes. 

The  city  is  thoroughly  modem,  has  well  paved  streets,  fine  sewerage  system,  water  works,  a well 
equipped  fire  department,  10  miles  of  water  mains,  police  department,  9 public  schools,  a county  normal 
school,  3 parochial  school,  public  library,  opera  house,  first  class  hotels,  3 banks,  churches  of  different 
denominations,  electric  light,  gas  and  power  plant  and  3 newspapers. 

This  section  grows  large  quantities  of  such  fruits  as  cherries,  plums,  and  apples.  Potatoes,  hay, 
oats,  barley,  com  and  rye  are  raised  in  abundance. 

The  principal  industries  of  the  city  are  saw  mills,  one  of  the  largest  tanneries  west  of  New  York, 
large  paper  mill,  foundries,  snow  plow  works,  automobile  factory,  fire  kindle  factory,  cannery,  flour 
mill,  sash,  door  and  blind  factor>^  wood  turning  works,  boiler  works,  machine  shops,  cigar  factories, 
packing  industries,  planing  mills,  etc.  The  other  principal  towns  are  Tower  and  Wolverine. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Mich.  Central  and  the  Detroit  & Mackinac 
Railroads.  The  Detroit  & Cleveland  Nav.  Co.,  Northern  Mich.  Nav.  Co.,  and  the  Arnold  Trans.  Co. 

CHIPPEWA  COUNTY. 

Chippewa  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1826,  and  was  at  one  time  part  of  Michilimackinac 
county.  The  name  was  taken  from  the  Chippewa  or  Ojibway  Indians,  the  largest  of  the  Algonquin 
tribes. 

The  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  eastern  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on 
the  north  by  Lake  Superior  and  White  Fish  Bay,  on  the  east  by  Lake  George,  St.  Mary’s  river.  Mud 
Lake,  and  a portion  of  the  North  Channel,  on  the  south  by  Mackinac  coimty  and  Lake  Huron,  and  on 
the  west  by  Luce  county. 

The  county  has  a total  land  area  of  999,960.22  acres,  with  about  176,000  acres  devoted  to  farms. 
A considerable  acreage  of  the  agricultural  land  in  Chippewa  county  is  being  very  successfully  devoted 
to  dairying  and  stock  raising. 

The  federal  census  of  1910  gives  Chippewa  county  a population  of  24,472. 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $19,764,959  on  all  taxable 
lands  in  the  coiinty. 

There  is  a good  school  system  throughout  the  county,  there  being  90  schools,  requiring  166  teachers, 
and  last  year’s  records  show  a total  of  5,516  children  in  attendance. 

In  the  county  may  be  found  good  telegraph,  telephone,  and  mral  mail  service. 

There  are  5 banks,  1 daily  and  2 weeldy  newspapers. 

Sault  Ste.  Marie  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  as  well  as  being  the  largest  city  and  has  a popMa- 
tion  of  12,615  (1910  census).  It  is  located  on  the  St.  Mary’s  river,  near  the  outlet  of  Lake  Superior, 
opposite  the  famous  Sault  rapids,  170  miles  east  of  Marquette. 

Here  is  the  location  of  one  of  the  greatest  ship  canals  in  the  world  through  which  the  commerce 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


125 


Ilf  Liu'  ('iH'at  LaUi'S  |)a;;s('s  on  its  way  to  and  from  Lake  Superior  and  Lake  linron.  'I'lie  city’s  position 
on  llu'  vSt.  Mary's  river  on  a series  of  rapi<ls  which  made  neeesr.ary  the  :;hi[)  canal  is  respotisiLle  for  a 
stvond  j^reat  attract  ion  at  this  point  the  power  canal  with  all  its  atUaidant  possihilities. 

In  this  (Miterprise  is  reali/.i'd  llu'  ntili/.ation  of  the  natural  forces  inherent  in  tlie  water,  af  Lake 
Superior  as  the\'  Ilow  over  a sandstoiu'  roek  led}.;e  al)()nt  half  a mile  lonjt  and  half  u mile  wide,  with  a 
fall  of  twenty  fi-et. 

Water  power  ilevelopiiumts  have  l)ecn  planiu'd,  attemi)te(l  and  carried  out  and  locks  by  which 
boats  liave  biam  imabled  to  pass  these  falls  have  been  constructed  and  operated  durinf'  the  past  HK) 
years,  but  it  has  Ihh'u  left  to  this  day  and  generation  to  witness  the  practical  consummation  of  the  great- 
est pi>ssibilities  in  both  ilirections,  since  of  this  formerly  dormant  power  more  than  half  has  now  been 
brought  under  eontrol,  while  locks  are  now  in  operation  and  l)eing  improved,  capable  of  passing  up  and 
down  the  largest  licet  of  merchant  carrying  vessels  on  the  face  of  the  globe. 

Lake  Superior  covers  an  area  of  some  v50,()()()  square  miles,  fed  from  a water  shed  of  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  square  miles,  the  Sault  rapids  being  its  only  outlet.  The  cpiantity  discharged  fluctuates 
with  the  varying  conditions  of  precipitation  and  evaporation  from  about  3,000,000  to  7,000,000  cubic 
feet  per  minute,  which,  rushing  over  the  Sault  rapids,  represents  an  equivalent  of  130,000  to  260,(K)0 
horsepower. 

The  freight  movement  to  and  from  Lake  vSuperior  consists  largely  of  such  commodities  as  hard 
and  soft  coal,  ore,  wheat  and  lumber. 

The  total  tonnage  of  these  commodities  that  passed  through  the  canal  during  the  season  of  1912 
was  72,472,676  net  tons,  an  increase  of  18,955,460  tons  over  the  shipments  of  the  year  previous.  The 
work  of  widening  the  Soo  Ship  Canal  is  now  under  way. 

Sault  Ste.  Marie  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a complete  sewerage  system,  efficient  fire  department, 
and  the  purest  water  is  supplied  by  a $200,000  sy.stem  of  water  works.  There  are  churches  of  the  Baptist, 
Catholic,  Disciples,  Episcopal,  Finnish  and  Swedish  Evangelical  Lutheran,  Free  Methodist,  Methodist 
Episcopal  and  Presbyterian  denominations,  a high  school  and  6 ward  schools,  a public  library,  a hand- 
some courthouse  which  was  erected  at  a cost  of  about  $75,000,  a city  hall,  a beautiful  new  Federal 
building,  well  laid  out  streets,  3 banks,  first  class  hotels,  a daily  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

Situated  as  it  is,  among  ideal  surroundings,  “The  Soo’’  has  gained  the  reputation  of  being  one  of 
the  finest  summer  resorts  in  the  country. 

The  shipping  facilities  of  the  county  are  exceptionally  good  and  include  the  Minneapolis  St.  Paid 
and  Saidt  Ste.  Marie,  and  the  Duluth  South  Shore  and  Atlantic  Railroads,  the  Erie  and  Mich.  Ry.  and 
Nav.  Co.,  Northern  Mich.  Nav.  Co.,  Erie  and  Western  Trans.  Co.,  Northern  Steamship  Line,  Canadian 
Pacific  S.  S.  Co.,  the  hlutual  Anchor  Line,  and  the  C.  D.  & G.  B.  Trans.  Co. 

CLARE  COUNTY. 

Clare  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  at  that  time  called  Kaykakee,  which  in  the  Chippewa 
language  means  “pigeon  hawk.”  Later,  in  1843  the  name  was  changed  to  Clare,  taken  from  the  name 
of  a county  in  Ireland.  The  county  was  organized  in  1871. 

This  coimty  is  located  in  the  North  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Missaukee  and  Roscommon  cotmties,  east  by  Gladwin  county,  south  by  Isabella  county,  and 
west  by  Osceola  county.  The  total  land  area  is  364,756.51  acres,  about  165,000  acres  of  which  are 
already  devoted  to  farms.  The  valuation  of  all  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of 
Tax  Commissioners  in  1911,  is  $4,071,360.  In  1910  the  county  had  a population  of  9,240.  The  total 
number  of  schools  in  the  county  is  71,  furnishing  positions  for  102  teachers  and  about  2,376  scholars  in 
attendance. 

The  co-unty  has  6 banks  and  4 weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail 
service.  The  county  is  rich  in  agriculture  and  stock  raising. 

Harrison  is  the  county  seat  and  has  a population  of  about  600.  It  is  located  on  the  shore  of  Budd 


126 


M I C II  I G A N 


lake,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  inland  bodies  of  water  in  Northern  Michigan.  It  is  a station  on  the 
Pere  Marciuettc  Ry.,  72  miles  from  vSaginaw. 

It  has  Catholic,  Congregational,  Methodist  and  United  Brethcrn  churches,  good  schools,  electric 
light,  water  works,  opera  house,  2 banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

( )ther  towns  of  the  county  include  Clare,  which  is  the  largest  town  in  the  county  and  has  a 
po])ulation  of  about  1,400,  and  Farwell,  with  a population  of  about  535. 

Clare  is  located  on  the  Pere  Marquette  and  Ann  Arbor  Rys.,  18  miles  south  of  Harrison,  50  miles 
from  Saginaw  and  64  miles  from  Lansing  and  is  surrounded  by  excellent  farms. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  churches  of  the  Baptist,  Catholic,  Congregational, 
Free  Methodist,  German  Lutheran  and  Methodist  denominations,  a $25,000  school  building,  public 
hall,  opera  house,  good  hotels,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  Manufacturing  industries  include 
saw,  shingle  and  planing  mills,  flour  mill,  stave  and  heading  factories,  electric  lighting  plant,  foundry, 
machine  shops,  creamery,  pickle  salting  station,  etc.  The  chief  shipments  include  lumber,  shingles, 
hoops,  handles,  staves,  heading,  bark,  telegraph  poles,  wheat,  hay,  produce  and  cattle. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette  and  Ann  Arbor  rail- 
roads. 


CLINTON  COUNTY. 

Clinton  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1839.  The  county  was  named  in  honor 
of  Dewitt  Clinton,  through  whose  efforts  the  Erie  Canal  had  been  built,  which  had  a great  effect  upon 
the  fortunes  of  Michigan. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  south  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Gratiot  county,  on  the  east  by  Shiawassee  and  Ingham  counties,  on  the  south  by  Eaton  and 
Ingham  counties  and  on  the  west  by  Ionia  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  364,972.96  acres,  about  352,000  acres  of  which  are  already  devoted  to  wonder- 
fully productive  fanns. 

The  valuation  of  all  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in 
1911,  is  $30,428,680. 

The  federal  census  of  1910  gives  Clinton  county  a population  of  23,129. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  any  of  the  larger  counties,  there  being  131  schools,  attended 
by  4,385  children  and  requiring  200  teachers. 

There  are  10  banks  and  five  weekly  newspapers.  Also  the  best  of  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service. 

St.  Johns  is  the  county  seat,  also  the  largest  town.  It  has  a population  of  about  3,500,  and  is  located 
on  the  Grand  Trunk  Ry.,  and  the  Mich.  United  Traction  Co.  (electric),  18  miles  north  of  Lansing,  26 
east  of  Ionia  and  98  northwest  of  Detroit. 

The  city  is  well  laid  out  and  possesses  many  attractive  features  among  which  are  its  churches,  of 
which  there  are  Congregational,  Episcopal,  Baptist,  A4ethodist,  Free  Methodist,  Catholic  and  German 
Lutheran  denominations. 

Has  municipally  owned  electric  light  and  water  works  plant,  a ladies  library,  3 school  buildings, 
opera  house,  three  banks,  good  hotels  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  Among  the  prominent  industries 
are  saw  and  grist  mills,  grain  elevators,  a foiindry,  gasoline  engine  works,  heating  boiler  works,  a quilt 
factory,  agricultural  implement  supply  works,  drilling  and  prospecting  tool  works,  canning  factory, 
creamery,  2 portable  building  factories,  wagon  factory  and  a cider  mill.  The  town  is  connected  with 
Lansing  b}"  electric  railway. 

Other  thriving  towns  of  the  county  include  Elsie,  (pop. 600);  Fowler,  (pop.  476);  Maple  Rapids, 
(pop.  529);  Ovid,  (pop.  1,100);  and  Westphalia,  (pop.  375). 

Ovid  is  located  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Ry.,  and  on  the  Maple  river,  about  10  miles  east  of  St.  Johns, 
10  west  of  Owosso  and  24  northeast  of  Lansing.  Has  electric  light  and  water  works  plant,  churches 


M 1 ('  II  I A N 


127 


of  thi'  I ioiKil,  Miiptisl,  l''nH'  Met  liodi;!  niid  Mel  li(idi:;|  dciioiiiiti.-il.ioiis,  .'i  ).;r.'idcd  piihlif:  :;cliof)l, 
opiMM  hmisi',  2 |>ul)lic  h:dls,  a haiiU  and  a weekly  newspaper 

'I'lu'  transporlation  I'aeililies  of  the  eonnly  ineinde  the  ('irand  'I'nink,  Mere  Mar(|uet.l,e,  Ann  Arhor 
and  Miehipan  (kaitral  Railroads,  and  ihi'  Miehip'aii  United  'I'raeLion  ('o.  (elecLrie). 


('RAWMORD  ('OUNTV. 

C'rawl'ord  eonnty  was  originally  ealled  Shawono,  the  name  of  a famous  ('hij)j)cwa  ('hief.  d'he 
word  means  “southern.”  Later,  in  lS4d  the  name  was  elianged  to  ('rawford,  f)eing  named  in  fumor 
of  t\il,  W’m.  C'rawford  who  was  eai)lured  by  Indians  and  l)urned  at  the  stake. 

It  is  loeated  in  the  north  eentral  ])art  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north  by  fttsego 
eountv,  on  the  east  by  Oseoda  eonnty.  on  the  south  by  Roscommon  county  and  on  the  west  by  Kalkaska 
county. 

d'he  cinmly  has  a total  land  area  of  450,845.89  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  46,000  acres  are  in 
in  fanns. 

The  iiopuUition  is  5,054  (1010  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1011, 
is  $4,471,577. 

There  are  24  schools,  requiring  the  services  of  48  teachers,  and  last  year’s  report  showed  a total 
of  1,005  scholars  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  2 banks  and  1 weekly  newspaper.  Also  good  telegraph  and  telephone  service. 

Grayling  is  the  largest  town  and  also  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county.  Lias  a population  of  about 
2,000,  is  02  miles  northwest  of  Bay  City  and  00  from  Mackinaw. 

It  is  the  division  point  of  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad  between  Bay  City  and  Mackinaw. 

The  Manistee  and  North-eastern  Railroad  was  extended  to  Grayling  via  Walton  Junction  about 
two  years  ago  and  opened  up  direct  communication  to  Chicago  by  way  of  Lake  Michigan  through  Manis- 
tee and  also  a new  route  south  and  east  by  way  of  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  and  the  Pennsylvania 
roads.  The  town  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  fire  department,  opera  house,  fine  court 
hoiise,  a bank,  a weekly  newspaper  and  the  Grayling  Mercy  Hospital  costing  about  $25,000. 

Has  churches  of  the  Catholic,  Liitheran,  Methodist  Episcopal,  Presbyterian  and  Protestant  Meth- 
dist  denominations,  and  good  schools. 

Principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  arc  the  Michigan  Central,  Detroit  8z  Charlevoix 
and  the  Manistee  & Northeastern  Railroads. 

DELTA  COUNTY. 

Delta  county  was  laid  out  in  1845  and  was  organized  in  1861.  The  county  as  originally  laid  out 
included  not  only  the  present  territory,  but  also  Menominee  and  part  of  Dickinson,  Alarquette  and 
Iron  counties,  giving  it  the  shape  of  the  Greek  letter  “ Delta”  from  which  the  county  takes  its  name. 

It  is  located  in  the  south  central  part  of  the  Tapper  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Alger 
county,  on  the  east  by  Schoolcraft  county  and  Lake  Michigan,  on  the  south  by  that  part  of  Lake  Alich- 
igan  known  as  Green  Bay,  and  on  the  west  by  Menominee  and  Marquette  counties. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  748,015.44  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  115,000  acres  are 
in  profitable  farms. 

The  federal  census  of  1910  gives  Delta  county  a population  of  about  50,108. 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $18,848,782  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

The  county  has  a good  school  system.  There  are  82  schools,  supplying  positions  for  199  teachers 
and  an  enrollment  of  6,776  children.  There  are  six  banks,  2 daily  and  5 weekly  newspapers,  also  good 
telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  sendee  in  the  county. 


128 


MICHIGAN 


Escanaba  is  the  largest  city,  as  well  as  being  the  capital  city  of  the  county.  It  has  a population 
of  about  14,000,  is  located  on  the  Chicago  & Northwestern,  and  the  Escanaba  & Lake  Superior  railroads. 
Its  situation  is  as  beautiful  as  it  is  advantageous  for  commerce.  It  is  located  on  a point  of  land  divid- 
ing Green  Hay  from  Little  Bay  dc  Noe,  the  latter  forming  one  of  the  best  harbors  on  the  entire  chain 
of  lakes.  It  is  very  easy  of  approach,  having  an  entrance  three  miles  in  width  and  depth  sufficient  to 
float  the  largest  vessels.  4'he  city  is  one  of  the  two  great  shipping  points  for  iron  ore. 

The  statistics  of  the  port  and  its  capabilities  are  almost  incredible  to  any  one  who  has  not  already 
something  like  a just  appreciation  of  the  magnitude  of  the  iron  interests  of  this  great  region.  Its  six 
enormous  iron  docks  have  a capacity  of  95,000  tons,  at  which  30  vessels  can  be  loaded  simultaneously 
and  from  20,000  to  30,000  tons  can  be  shipped  in  twenty-four  hours.  The  docks  are  lighted  by  electric 
lights  and  are  kept  in  full  operation  day  and  night.  There  are  also  large  merchandise  and  commercial 
docks,  handling  150,000  tons  of  coal  annually. 

The  fish  trade  is  an  important  industry,  daily  shipments  being  large. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  broad  and  well  paved  streets,  water  works,  fire  and  police 
departments,  electric  street  railway,  2 Baptist,  3 Catholic,  Episcopal,  4 Lutheran,  2 Methodist,  Pres- 
byterian and  Swedish  Mission  churches,  a high  school  building  costing  about  $40,000,  a public  library, 
hospital,  first  class  hotels,  a handsome  court  house  costing  about  $27,000,  2 daily  and  4 weekly  news- 
papers, 3 banks,  3 theatres,  etc. 

Good  farming  and  hardwood  timber  land  lies  within  a few  miles  of  the  city  and  the  Escanaba  river 
which  rises  in  the  iron  region  and  here  flows  into  the  lake,  furnishes  splendid  water  power. 

Other  towns  of  importance  are  Gladstone,  (pop.  4,211);  Garden,  Ford  River  and  other  small  but 
thriving  towns. 

Gladstone  is  located  on  the  west  shore  of  Little  Bay  de  Noc,  seven  miles  north  of  Escanaba 
with  which  it  is  connected  by  electric  railway.  It  is  a station  on  the  main  line  of  the  Milwauke,  St. 
Paul  & Sault  Ste.  Marie  railroad.  Has  a municipal  electric  lighting  plant,  a water  works  plant  built  at  a 
cost  exceeding  $35,000,  fire  department,  opera  house,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  Has  churches 
of  the  Congregational,  Baptist,  Catholic,  Evangelical  Lutheran,  Methodist,  Presbyterian,  Swedish, 
Finnish  Baptist,  and  Swedish  Mission  denominations. 

Excellent  boating,  bathing  and  fishing  make  this  city  an  ideal  summer  resort.  The  Soo  Line  has 
made  this  point  its  water  terminus  and  has  erected  a grain  elevator,  flour,  iron  and  coal  docks,  which 
are  among  the  largest  individual  docks  on  the  lakes. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Minneapolis  St.  Paul  & Sault  Ste.  Marie, 
Chicago  & Northwestern,  Escanaba  Traction  Co.,  and  the  Escanaba  & Lake  Superior  railroads.  The 
Arnold  S.  S.  Line,  and  the  Goodrich  S.  S.  Co. 

DICKINSON  COUNTY. 

Dickinson  county,  which  was  at  one  time  part  of  Menominee,  Iron  and  Marquette  cormties,  was 
organized  in  1891,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Postmaster  General  Don  M.  Dickinson. 

The  cotmty  is  located  in  the  south  central  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Marquette  county,  on  the  east  by  Marquette  and  Menominee  counties,  on  the  south  by  Menominee 
county  and  Wisconsin  and  on  the  west  by  Iron  county  and  Wisconsin. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  491,925.09  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  24,000  acres  are 
devoted  to  farms. 

Nineteen  himdred  ten  census  gives  the  county  a population  of  20,524. 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $23,132,495  on  all  taxable 
land  in  the  county. 

There  are  a total  of  44  schools,  requiring  the  services  of  164  teachers  and  an  enrollment  of  5,560 
children. 

The  county  has  3 banks,  1 daily  and  three  weekly  newspapers. 


M I ('  II  I (I  A N 


12'; 


Iron  Mountain  is  the  jndirial  st'al  and  the  larjjcst  city  in  the  coniiLy.  It  lias  a [(opnial.ion  of  alioiil 
10,000,  is  locatod  on  tlio  C'hi^•a^^o  X’  Nort  luvostcrn  and  t he  ( 'liic.'i^^o,  .MiKvankoc  and  SL.  I’anI  R.nlroads, 
72  inilos  northwi'st  of  MiMioininoo. 

It  is  li^ihtod  by  I'lnotrioity  and  I'-'is  waU-r  works,  tiro  dcpartincnl  and  nxcdkaiL  scwcra^n.  'I'licrn 
aro  I'hnri'lu'S  of  tlu'  baptist.,  ('atholio,  ICpisoopal,  ('icnnan  LuLhcran,  Mct.liodist,  l'y()is('opal,  I’rcsbyt.nr- 
ian,  Swodish  Mission,  Swcalish  Nb'thodisl,  Swedish  baptist  and  Swedish  bntheran  denorninations, 
0 handsome  sehool  buildings,  a library  eostinj^  $20,000,  a line;  opera  house,  an  $85,000  county  buildiiif', 
2 banks,  a daily  newspaper,  etc.  'I'he  Actual  bu.sincss  ('ollcpc,  located  here,  occupies  a [)romincnt 
place  among  the  commereial  educational  institutions  of  the  State. 

'Phis  is  the  location  of  the  famous  Chapin  Iron  Mine,  one  of  the  largest  and  best  in  the  (J[)per  benin- 
sida,  producing  a very  rich  hematite  ore,  from  which  is  made  the  best  bessemer  iron  and  steel.  The 
mine  is  workeil  at  a depth  of  about  1 ,500  feet.  'Phe  plant  is  of  the  most  modem  description,  and  immense 
hydraidic  machinery,  costing  aboiit  $500,000,  has  been  constructed  to  convey  compressed  air  into  the 
mine  and  is  used  for  operating  all  machinery  connected  with  the  mine.  There  are  other  iron  mines 
surrounding  the  city  and  with  carriage  and  wagon  works,  cement  works,  etc.,  arc  the  principal 
industries  of  the  place. 

Norway,  another  town  in  Dickinson  county,  has  a population  of  about  5,000,  is  located  on  the 
Chicago  iSL'  Northwestern  and  the  Michigan  and  Wisconsin  Railroads,  8 miles  east  of  Iron  Mountain. 
Mining,  fanning  and  lumbering  are  the  principal  industries.  There  are  churches  of  the  Baptist,  Catholic, 
Lutheran,  Methodist  Episcopal,  Norwegian  and  Swedish  Mission  denominations,  good  schools,  a con- 
vent, a bank  and  I weekly  newspaper. 

Vulcan,  also  in  Dickinson  County,  with  a population  estimated  at  nearly  3,000,  is  located  on  the 
Chicago  (.'c  Northwestern  Railway’,  ten  miles  southwest  of  Iron  Mountain,  the  Cotmty’  seat,  and  two 
miles  from  Norway.  Among  the  principal  industries  are  the  manufacture  of  brick  and  the  mining  and 
handling  of  iron  ore  in  large  quantities.  There  are  churches  of  several  denominations. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  Dickinson  county  are  the  Escanaba  & Lake  Superior,  Chicago  & 
Northwestern,  Chicago  Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul,  and  the  Wisconsin  and  Michigan  Railraods. 

EATON  COUNTY. 

Eaton  county  was  laid  out  in  1829  and  was  organized  in  1837,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Sec.  of 
War,  John  H.  Eaton. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  South  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Ionia  and  Clinton  counties,  on  the  east  by  Ingham  county,  on  the  south  by  Calhoun  and  Jack- 
son  cotmties  and  on  the  west  by  Barry’  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  366,033.45  acres,  of  which  about  345,000  acres  are  devoted  to  splendid  farms. 

Nineteen  hundred  ten  census  gives  Eaton  county  a population  of  30,499. 

There  are  149  schools,  a total  enrollment  of  5,967  children,  requiring  the  serv’ices  of  249  teachers. 

The  county  has  14  banks,  14  weekly  newspapers,  good  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service. 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $33,785,181. 

Charlotte  is  the  largest  city’  and  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county.  It  has  a population  of  about  5,000, 
is  located  on  the  hlichigan  Central  and  Grand  Trunk  Railways,  18  miles  southwest  of  Lansing  and  59 
miles  southeast  of  Grand  Rapids. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has  wide  paved  streets,  fire  department,  water  works, 
a number  of  beautiful  parks,  churches  representing  the  leading  denominations,  excellent  public  schools, 
a library’,  three  newspapers  and  two  banks. 

The  principal  manufacturing  industries  consist  of  brass  lubricator  works,  fottndry’,  library’  and 
dining  table  factory’,  auto  accessory’  works,  hay’  fork  pulley  factory,  flour  and  grist  mills,  brick  and  tile 
works,  scy’the  snath  factory’,  iron  culvert  works,  manufactory’  of  wooden  specialties,  etc. 

9 


1.30 


MICHIGAN 


Other  entcri^rising  towns  of  the  CMunty  inelude  Grand  Ledge,  Eaton  Rapids,  Bellevue,  Olivet  and 
1 )imondale. 

Grand  Ledge  with  a population  of  about  3,000  is  loeated  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Ry.,  sixteen  miles 
northeast  of  Charlotte  and  about  twelve  miles  from  Lansing.  Soft  coal  is  mined  to  the  west  of  the 
city,  also  fire  clay  for  two  large  sewer  pipe  works;  the  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  fire 
dci)artment,  telephone  service,  opera  house,  two  banks,  gas  works,  two  union  schools,  four  churches 
and  two  weekly  ncw.spapers.  The  manufacturing  industries  include  two  chair  factories,  a foundry, 
two  power  companies,  sewer  pipe  and  tiling  works,  flour  mill,  wire  works,  paint  works,  cement  block 
woi’ks,  planing  mill,  carriage  and  wagon  works,  two  grain  elevators,  etc. 

Eaton  Rapids  another  thriving  and  prosperous  city  of  the  County,  with  a population  of  about 
2,200,  is  located  on  the  Grand  River,  upon  the  Lansing  branch  of  the  Lake  Shore  & Mich.  Southern 
Ry.  and  also  upon  the  Michigan  Central  Ry.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  the  City  owning  its  own  plant; 
has  water  works,  fire  department,  churches  of  several  denominations,  an  excellent  system  of  public 
schools,  public  library,  two  banks  and  an  opera  house.  The  city  has  several  thriving  manufacturing 
industries.  The  entire  county  is  particularly  well  adapted  to  farming  and  from  most  every  town  in 
the  county,  quantities  of  grain,  live  .stock,  flour,  fruit,  butter  and  eggs  are  shipped. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  Lake  Shore  and 
Michigan  Southern,  and  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroads. 

EMMET  COUNTY. 

Emmet  county  was  laid  out  in  1 840  and  was  first  called  Tonedagana.  In  1843  the  name  was  changed 
to  Emmet,  in  honor  of  the  Irish  patriot,  Robert  Emmet. 

The  county  was  finally  organized  in  1853.  ^ 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake 
Michigan  and  the  Straits  of  Mackinac,  on  the  east  by  Cheboygan  county,  on  the  south  by  Charlevoix 
county  and  on  the  west  by  Lake  Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  300,855.39  acres.  About  125,000  acres  are  now  being  farmed 
with  great  success. 

The  population  is  18,561,  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $16,646,690. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  most  any  of  the  larger  counties,  there  being  78  schools, 
attended  by  3,765  children  and  requiring  150  teachers. 

There  are  5 banks,  1 daily  and  4 weekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rriral  mail  service  is  found.  The  county  in  general  is  well  adapted 
for  fanning. 

Petoskey  with  a population  of  over  5,000  is  the  judicial  seat,  and  also  the  largest  city  in  the 
county.  The  county  seat  was  originally  located  at  Harbor  Springs  but  was  removed  to  Petoskey  by  a 
vote  of  the  people  of  the  county  in  1910. 

It  is  located  on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the  Pere  Marquette  Rys.,  at  the  mouth  of  Bear 
river,  on  Little  Traverse  Bay,  which  is  6 miles  wide  and  9 miles  long.  The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity, 
has  water  works,  fire  department,  gas  plant,  an  opera  house,  2 banks,  a beautiful  court  house  erected 
at  a cost  of  about  $30,000,  2 weekly  newspapers,  churches  of  the  Adventist,  Baptist,  Catholic,  Christian 
Science,  Episcopal,  German  Evangelical,  German  Lutheran,  German  Methodist,  Methodist,  Mennonite 
and  Presbyterian  denominations,  excellent  public  schools,  a public  library,  first  class  hotels  and  numer- 
ous substantial  manufacturing  and  business  houses. 

Paper,  leather,  sectional  blocks  and  lumber  are  the  leading  manufactured  articles. 

Other  towns  of  importance  are  Alanson,  (pop.  500),  Harbor  Springs,  (pop.  2,000),  and  Pellston, 
(pop.  1,200). 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


I ?1 


'riu'  l:ir};(‘st  of  lIu'Si'  is  llarlx)!’  vSpriiij'S,  wliicli  i:'.  localcil  on  l.lic  firaiKl  ka[)i(I;'.  iKr,  Indiana  railroad, 
S uiiK's  norlli  of  I’t'loslcc'V,  on  llio  north  sid('  of  a line  land-loclvcd  liarhor  fortTicd  hy  tlin  projontifai  of 
Harbor  I’oint  ac'ros^;  tlii'  northern  part  of  Little  'I'raverse  May.  It  is  one  of  the  Lest  n.atnral  liarLors 
upon  tlu'  iMitire  t'hain  of  (ireat  Lakes. 

('liinali',  loeatit>n  and  natural  Ix-anty  have  made  I harbor  Sprinj^s  fainons  as  a summer  resort.  'rh(;re 
are  eluna'hes  of  Maptist,  ('atholie,  ICpiscopal,  Methodist  and  I’nisbytcrian  denominations,  cxecdlent 
sehools,  water  works,  ).:;ood  hotels,  a boat  factory,  a bank  and  a newspafXT. 

l.arj^e  quantities  of  f;rain,  produce,  lumber,  wood,  maple  su}.tar  and  fish  arc  shiiqKxl 
'I'he  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  arc  the  (Irand  Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the 
More  Marquette  railroails,  the  Northern  S.  S.  Co.,  Northern  Michigan  Trans.  Co.,  and  the  Goodrich 
'I'l'ans.  t'o. 


GENESEE  COUNTY. 

Genesee  county  was  laid  out  in  1835  and  was  organized  in  1836,  and  was  named  from  that  part  of 
New  York  from  whence  many  of  its  settlers  had  come.  The  name  originated  with  the  Chenussio  tribe 
of  Indians  and  means  “beautiful  valley.” 

The  county  is  located  in  the  east  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Its  boundaries  are : Saginaw 
and  Tuscola  counties  on  the  north,  Lapeer  county  on  the  east,  Livingston  and  Oakland  county  on  the 
south,  and  Shiawassee  and  Saginaw  counties  on  the  west. 

The  total  land  area  comprises  403,979.92  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  390,000  acres  are  devoted 
to  famis  which  are  wonderfully  productive. 

The  federal  census  of  1910  gives  the  county  a population  of  about  64,555. 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $65,385,459  on  all  taxable 
lands.  There  are  177  schools,  requiring  380  teachers,  and  a total  of  11,436  students  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  19  banks,  2 daily  and  9 weekly  newspapers,  excellent  telephone,  telegraph  and 
rural  mail  service. 

Flint  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county,  also  the  largest  city.  Population  38,550  (census  1910). 
This  city  has  had  a wonderful  growth,  showing  an  increase  in  population  during  the  last  decade  of  about 
25,000.  It  has  an  area  of  12  square  miles  and  is  located  on  both  banks  of  the  Flint  river,  34  miles  from 
Saginaw,  49  from  Lansing  and  68  from  Detroit.  It  has  excellent  facilities  for  the  shipment  of  the  prod- 
ucts of  its  factories.  It  is  on  the  Grand  Trunk  and  Pere  IMarquette  Rys.,  also  the  Detroit  United 
Electric,  and  the  Saginaw  and  Flint  Electric  Rys. 

The  city  is  laid  out  with  fine,  wide  and  beautifully  shaded  streets,  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas, 
has  a water  works  plant  valued  at  $775,000,  has  70  miles  of  w'ater  mains,  a thoroughly  equipped  fire 
department,  15  acres  of  parks,  a police  department,  16  public  schools  employing  150  teachers,  25  churches, 
3 hospitals,  12  hotels,  efficient  sewer  system,  electric  street  car  system,  a public  library,  a new  $125,000 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  Bldg,  a $130,000  Masonic  Temple,  a new  city  hall,  a $100,000  court  house,  a $75,000  post- 
office,  5 banks,  a $110,000  high  school,  theatres,  a daily  newspaper  and  two  weeldies. 

Flint  is  the  home  of  the  Michigan  school  for  the  deaf  which  is  surrounded  by  200  acres  of  beautifully 
laid  out  grounds. 

It  is  also  the  location  of  one  of  the  largest  automobile  plants  in  the  w’orld,  3 other  growing  auto- 
mobile plants,  and  an  immense  quantity  of  vehicles  of  almost  every  description  are  manufactured. 
Other  industries  include  an  electric  stove  plant,  a steel  spring  plant,  an  automobile  parts  plant,  auto- 
mobile carbtuetor  plant,  saw  and  planing  mills,  flour  mills,  gasoline  engine  works,  and  plants  for  the 
manufacture  of  axles,  wheels,  carriage  hardware,  auto  bodies,  varnish,  paint,  electric  and  gas  fixtures, 
pumps,  cigars,  brooms,  cigar  boxes,  rugs,  paper,  brick,  boilers,  mattresses,  ladders,  woolen  goods,  potash, 
show  cases,  furniture,  heaters,  etc. 

Fenton  located  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  sixteen  miles  south  of  Flint  and  with  a population 
of  about  2,500,  is  the  next  largest  town  of  the  county.  It  has  churches  of  several  denominations,  fine 


132 


MICHIGAN 


high  school  Iniilding,  opera  house,  good  hotels,  two  banks,  eity  hall  and  fire  station  and  municipally 
owned  water  works  and  electrie  light  plant.  Its  principal  industries  inelude  a sereen  door  faetory, 
water  works,  maehinery  factory,  cement  works.  Hour  mill,  ereamery,  carriage  and  wagon  works,  foundry 
and  machine  shop,  cheese  faetory  and  two  grain  elevators.  It  is  situated  in  a rieh  agricultural  section 
and  in  the  vicinity  of  several  attraetive  lakes,  including  Long  Lake,  whieh  is  surrounded  by  summer 
cottages  and  with  which  Fenton  is  connected  by  an  electric  railway. 

The  other  principal  towns  of  the  County  are  Flushing,  Clio,  Davidson,  Mount  Morris,  Montrose, 
Linden,  and  Gaines,  all  of  which  are  located  in  a highly  productive  agricultural  section  and  from  which 
grain,  hay,  fruit,  potatoes  and  other  farm  products  are  largely  shipped. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Trunk  and  the 
Michigan  Central  Railways;  Detroit  United  Traction  Co.,  and  the  Saginaw  and  Flint  Ry.  (electric). 

GLADWIN  COUNTY. 

Gladwin  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1855.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Major 
Henry  Gladwin,  who  was  in  command  of  Fort  Detroit  during  the  Indian  war. 

It  is  located  in  the  northeast  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Roscommon  and  Ogemaw  counties,  on  the  east  by  Arenac  and  Bay  counties,  on  the  south  by  Midland 
county  and  on  the  west  by  Clare  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  330,764.78  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  130,000  acres  are  in  farms. 

The  population  is  about  8,413  (federal  census  1910). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $4,303,873  on  all  taxable 
land  in  the  county. 

There  are  61  schools,  an  enrollment  of  2,477  children,  furnishing  positions  for  86  teachers. 

The  county  has  3 banks,  2 weekly  newspapers,  also  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service. 

Gladwin  is  the  county  seat,  also  the  largest  city.  Has  a population  of  about  1,200.  It  is  located 
on  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad  and  on  the  Cedar  river,  47  miles  northwest  of  Bay  City. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  excellent  sewerage,  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Free 
Methodist,  Catholic,  Methodist  and  Presbyterian  denominations,  a $20,000  public  school,  an  opera 
house,  2 banks,  saw,  planing  and  shingle  mills,  flour  mills,  basket  factory,  electric  lighting  plant  and 
a weekly  newspaper. 

Beaverton,  a thriving  community  in  Gladwin  county,  has  a population  of  about  500.  It  is  located 
on  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad  at  the  confluence  of  the  middle,  north  and  south  branches  of  the  Tobacco 
and  Cedar  rivers,  9 miles  south  of  Gladwin  and  52  northwest  of  Saginaw.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity, 
has  a good  water  works  system,  churches  of  several  denominations,  a graded  public  school,  opera  house, 
a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central  and  Pere  Marquette  Railroads. 

GOGEBIC  COUNTY. 

Gogebic  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1887  and  was  named  for  the  Gogebic  Iron  district. 
It  is  also  probable  that  the  name  was  taken  from  Lake  Agogebic  which  is  partly  in  this  county  and  partly 
in  Ontonagon  county. 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  western  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Lake  Superior  and  Ontonagon  county,  on  the  east  by  Ontonagon  and  Iron  counties,  on  the  south  by 
Wisconsin,  and  on  the  west  by  Wisconsin. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  712,032.76  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  15,000  acres  are  in 
farms. 

The  valuation  of  all  taxable  property,  as  is  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners 
in  1911,  is  $56,467,012. 

The  total  population  of  the  county  is  about  23,333  (1910  census). 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


'This  (■ovint\'  has  a ^.'.ood  si’honl  system,  there  heiny;  4iS  sehouh;,  .'it  tctided  hy  5, 1.^0  eliildreti,  ruirl 
reiiuiriii),;  l‘J5  teaehers. 

'I'lu'i'e  are  1 hanUs  and  d wi'ekly  newsiiapers.  ('lood  telephone  and  tele^p’aph  service  is  found  in 
the  eounly. 

lU'ssenuM"  is  the  capital  ('ily  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  ahout  4,.S0().  ft  is  located  on  tho 
Duluth  South  Shore  and  Atlantic,  'I'hc  Mimusipolis  vSt.  Paul  and  Sault  Ste.  Xhirio,  .'ind  the  Mic  hij^an  & 
Northwestern  Railways,  47  miles  cast  of  Ashland,  Wisconsin. 

It  is  the  center  of  the  famous  ('iO}:;el)ic  Iron  Ranj^c,  with  many  larf'c  producing  mines  in  the  irnmerli- 
ate  vicinity. 

The  city  has  electric  li;^ht,  water  works,  churches  of  the  (icrman  livangclical.  Catholic,  Methodi.st, 
Preshvtcrian,  and  Swedish  livangelieal  denominations,  fine  school  facilities,  including  a new  high  school 
building,  costing  about  845,000,  a 850,000  court  house,  a public  library,  an  opera  house,  city  hall,  a 
bank,  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Other  cities  of  importance  include  Ironwood  and  Wakefield. 

Ironwood  is  the  largest  city  in  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  13,000.  It  is  located  on 
the  Chicago  tN  Northwesteni,  and  the  Minneapolis  St.  Paul  and  Sault  Ste.  Marie  Railroads,  and  on  the 
Montreal  River,  a small  stream  which  fonns  the  boundary  line  between  the  States  of  Michigan  and 
Wisconsin. 

Iron  mining  is  the  chief  industry,  there  being  within  the  city’s  limits,  several  large  iron  mines  pro- 
ducing the  highest  grade  Bessemer  ore  found  in  this  country. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  fire  department, opera  house,  2 hospitals,  a bank, 
good  hotels,  churches  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran,  Methodist  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  Swedish  Baptist, 
Swedish  Mission,  Swedish  Methodist,  Finnish,  and  Catholic  denominations,  10  school  buildings,  a manual 
training  school,  erected  at  a cost  of  about  830,000,  a public  library  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

Wakefield  is  located  on  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Railroad,  6 miles  east  of  Bessemer.  Has 
Lutheran,  Methodist,  and  Catholic  churches  and  a bank.  Iron  mining  is  the  chief  industry  throughout 
the  county. 

The  shipping  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Chicago  & Northwestern,  Duluth,  South  Shore  and 
Atlantic,  Xlinneapolis  St.  Paul  & Sault  Ste.  Marie  Rys.,  and  the  Ironwood  & Bessemer  Railway  & 
Light  Co. 


GRAND  TRAVERSE  COUNTY. 

Grand  Traverse  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  then  called  Omeena,  taken  from  the  Indian 
language  and  meaning  “the  point  beyond.”  Later,  in  1851,  the  county  was  organized  and  the  name 
changed  to  that  which  it  now  bears.  The  county  takes  its  name  from  the  bay  upon  which  it  borders. 

It  is  located  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lee- 
lanau county.  Grand  Traverse  Bay  and  Antrim  county,  on  the  east  by  Kalkaska  county,  on  the  south 
by  Wexford  county  and  on  the  west  by  Benzie  county. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  299,277.93  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  178,000  acres  are 
devoted  to  fanns  which  are  wonderfully  productive. 

The  population  is  23,784  (federal  census  1910). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $15,056,946  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

The  county  has  a good  school  system.  There  are  73  school,  employing  156  teachers  and  an  enroll- 
ment of  5,126  students. 

There  are  6 banks,  1 daily  and  two  weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telephone,  telegraph,  and  rural 
mail  service. 

Traverse  City  is  the  largest  city  and  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county.  It  has  a population  of  about 
12,500,  is  located  on  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the  Manistee  and  Northeastern 


134 


MICHIGAN 


Railroads,  at  the  head  of  the  west  arm  of  Grand  Traverse  Bay,  where  the  Boardman  river,  its  chief 
tributary,  caiters  the  bay. 

d'liis  city  has  long  been  famous  as  a summer  resort.  It  is  also  the  gateway  to  the  Grand  Traverse 
region,  a region  of  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  healthful  summer  places  of  recreation  in  the  northwest, 
d'he  country  surrounding  Traverse  City  has  long  been  settled  and  is  rich  in  farming  and  fruit  lands, 
ddie  Northern  Michigan  Asylum  is  located  here. 

Prominent  manufacturing  interests  consist  of  one  of  the  largest  oval  wood  dish  factories  in  the 
world,  as  well  as  one  of  the  largest  l)asket  factories  in  the  State,  potato  implement  factory,  canning 
factory,  candy  factory,  iron  works.  Hour  and  feed  mills,  tanneries,  brick  and  tile  works,  foundry 
and  machine  shops.  Sash  doors,  electrical  appliances,  gasoline  engines,  boats,  chairs,  cigar  boxes, 
refrigerators,  lumber,  motor  boats,  flooring,  caskets,  shoes,  brick  machines,  carriages,  wagons,  vinegar, 
etc.,  are  also  manufactured. 

The  religious  and  educational  interest  are  represented  by  23  church  organizations,  a high  school 
and  four  ward  schools. 

There  are  3 Ijanks,  a city  library,  a hospital,  theatres  and  2 newspapers.  The  city  is  lighted  by 
electricity  and  gas,  has  a good  water  works  plant,  good  police  and  fire  departments,  and  well  paved  streets. 
In  the  immediate  vicinity  one  finds  good  brook  trout  and  bass  fishing. 

Other  thriving  communities  of  the  county  are  Fife  Lake,  and  Kingsley. 

Kingsley  is  located  on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana  Railroad,  18  miles  southeast  of  Traverse  City. 
Has  Baptist,  German  Lutheran,  and  Methodist  churches,  a bank,  flour  and  planing  mills,  electric  light 
and  water  works. 

Fife  Lake  is  located  on  the  body  of  water  from  which  it  takes  its  name,  26  miles  southeast  of  Trav- 
erse City  and  67  southwest  of  Petoskey.  It  is  a station  on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana  Railroad  and 
is  a shipping  point  for  a large  lumbering  and  potato  growing  region.  Has  churches  of  several  denomina- 
tions, good  public  school  system,  2 hotels,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Rapids  & 
Indiana,  and  the  Manistee  & Northeastern  Railroads,  also  the  Northern  Michigan  Trans.  Co. 

GRATIOT  COUNTY. 

Gratiot  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1855.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Chas. 
Gratiot  who,  as  captain  and  engineer,  built  Fort  Gratiot  at  the  head  of  the  St.  Clair  river. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Isabella  and  Midland  counties,  on  the  east  by  Saginaw  county,  on  the  south  by  Clinton  county,  and 
on  the  west  by  Montcalm  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  364,623.63  acres,  of  which  about  335,000  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  28,820  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $26,936,121. 

There  are  135  schools  which  were  attended  by  6,544  pupils  last  year,  requiring  the  services  of  230 
teachers. 

The  county  has  17  banks  and  11  weeldy  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone,  and  rural  mail  service  is  forind  throughout  the  county. 

Ithaca  is  the  capital  city  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  2,000.  It  is  located  on  the 
Ann  Arbor  Railroad,  42  miles  north  of  Lansing.  It  does  a big  grain  and  produce  business  and  is  the 
central  supply  station  for  a large  and  fertile  agricultural  area.  There  are  churches  of  the  Adventist, 
Baptist,  Methodist,  Free  Methodist,  and  Presbyterian  denominations,  also  a splendid  school  system, 
4 banks,  good  hotels,  a $100,000  court  house,  a sewerage  system  costing  about  $60,000,  a $45,000  electric 
light  and  pumping  plant.  Has  roller  flouring  mills,  3 grain  elevators,  a large  creamery,  foundry  and 
machine  shop,  beet  lifter  factory,  brick  and  tile  works.  There  are  two  live  weekly  newspapers  published 
here. 


M I ( ' 1 1 I ( ; A N 


I <s 

(Mlu'r  towns  of  imporlaiu’f  include  Alma,  (pop.  d, ()()()),  ;in(!  Si,.  I-oni:;,  (pop.  2,000^,  .il  .o  A'.lilcy 
and  Ihccki'ni'idj^c. 

Alma  is  locaU'd  on  the  I’inc  river  and  on  Llie  IV  re  Mar((nelle  and  Ann  Arlior  Railroads,  H miles 
south  of  Ithaca  and  >'7  miles  west,  ol  Saj^inaw. 

'I'lie  city  has  pa\’ed  strei-ts  and  the  Honlevard  system  of  sIreeL  liy^hliiiK.  IL  has  an  eleet.rie  liKht 
aiul  water  plant,  modern  sewera).,a'  system,  j^ood  lire  department,  2 hanks,  first  class  hotels,  an  ojx.Ta 
house  and  I iu'wsi>apers. 

'Phere  are  ehurehes  of  several  denominations,  and  a splendid  i)iil)lic  school  system. 

'Phe  Alma  t\)lk'}j;c'  is  loc'atc'd  lu're. 

Prominent  industries  of  the  eity  ineliulc  a large  sugar  factory,  automatic  gasoline  engine  works, 
foundry  and  machine  shop,  one  of  the  largest  creameries  in  the  State,  and  manufactories  of  hay  presses, 
overalls  aud  jaekets,  skirts,  heaters,  bee  smokers,  wall  board  and  roofing,  chemicals,  cement  blocks,  etc. 

'Phe  prineipal  transi)ortatiou  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  'Prunk,  and 
the  Ann  Arbor  Railroads. 


HILLSDALE  COUNTY. 

Hillsdale  county  was  laid  out  in  1829,  and  was  organized  in  1835.  The  county  was  well  named 
and  describes  in  a word  the  condition  of  the  surrounding  country. 

It  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  southern  tier  of  counties,  in  the  Southern  Peninsula,  and  is 
bounded  on  the  north  by  Calhoun  and  Jackson  counties,  on  the  east  by  Lenawee  county,  on  the  south 
by  Indiana  and  on  the  west  by  Branch  county  and  Indiana. 

This  county  has  a total  land  area  of  386,087.50  acres.  Of  this  number  about  375,000  acres  are 
devoted  to  fanns  which  are  wonderfully  productive. 

The  population  is  29,673.  (Federal  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $34,090,892  on  all  taxable  lands. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  any  of  the  larger  counties.  There  are  171  schools,  requiring 
the  services  of  273  teachers,  and  last  year’s  records  show  an  enrollment  of  5,928  students. 

The  comity  has  12  banks,  1 daily  and  9 weekly  newspapers.  Good  telegraph,  telephone,  and  rural 
mail  service  is  found  throughout  the  county. 

Hillsdale  is  the  judicial  seat  and  the  largest  city  of  the  county.  It  has  a population  of  about  5,000. 

It  is  located  on  the  St.  Joseph  river  and  on  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad,  29 
miles  south  of  Jackson  and  91  southwest  of  Detroit.  The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has 
water  works,  wide  and  well  shaded  streets,  good  fire  department,  sanitary  sewerage  system,  first  class 
hotels,  opera  house,  3 banks  and  a daily  newspaper. 

There  are  churches  of  the  Adventist,  Baptist,  Episcopal,  Free  Will  Baptist,  Lutheran,  Methodist, 
Presbyterian,  L^niversalist,  and  Catholic  denominations,  an  up-to-date  public  school  system,  public 
librarv’,  a postoffice  building  costing  about  $65,000,  City  Hall  costing  about  $45,000.  This  is  the  home 
of  Hillsdale  College,  situated  upon  one  of  the  most  sightly  spots  in  the  State. 

There  are  a number  of  prosperous  indtrstrial  enterprises,  including  planing  mills,  flouring  mills, 
gasoline  engine  works,  glove  and  mitten  factories,  gas  plant,  shoe  factory,  truck  and  wagon  w'orks,  wheel 
works,  screen  door  works,  door  rail  and  door  hanger  factory,  creamery,  tannery,  handle  factory,  etc. 

Other  enterprising  towms  include  Camden,  Jonesvrlle,  Litchfield,  Montgomerj’-,  North  Adams  and 
Reading,  the  largest  of  which  are  Jonesville  (pop.  1,400)  and  Reading  (pop.  1,100). 

JonesviUe  is  located  on  the  St.  Joseph  river  and  on  the  Lake  Shore  & Mich.  Southern  Railroad, 
4§  miles  west  of  Hillsdale  and  25  miles  from  Jackson.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works, 
good  educational  facilities,  a public  library,  a theatre,  a public  hall,  a bank  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 
There  are  churches  of  several  denominations. 

Reading  is  located  on  the  Lake  Shore  & Mich.  Southern  Ry.,  10  miles  southwest  of  Hillsdale  and 
36  miles  from  Jackson.  It  is  supported  by  a rich  agricultural  section  and  is  an  important  shipping  point 


1.36 


M I C II  1 (}  A N 


for  wlu-at,  corn,  wool,  fruit  and  i)ro(]uce.  Has  Baptist,  Free  Will  Bapti.st,  Methodist  and  Presbyterian 
churches,  a graded  jniblic  school,  opera  house,  a bank,  tanneries,  a robe  factory,  flour  and  saw  mills, 
chair  lactory,  feed  and  grist  mill  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

d'hc  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern, 
and  the  Cincinnati  Northern  Railroads. 

HOUGHTON  COUNTY. 

1 loughton  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  184,S,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Douglas  Houghton, 
first  State  Geologist  of  Michigan.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Keweenaw  county  and  Lake  Superior, 
on  the  cast  by  Keweenaw  Bay  and  Baraga  county,  on  the  south  by  Iron  county  and  on  the  west  by 
Ontonagon  county  and  Lake  Superior. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  647,466.14  acres,  of  which  about  95,000  acres  are  devoted  to 
fanns. 

The  population  is  88,098  (1910  cemsus). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $117,626,097. 

The  educational  advantages  offered,  are  eciual  to  those  of  any  other  county  throughout  the  State. 
There  are  135  schools,  19,169  students  in  attendance,  requiring  the  services  of  668  teachers. 

There  are  13  banks,  5 daily  and  8 weekly  newspapers.  The  county  also  has  telephone,  telegraph 
and  rural  mail  service. 

Hotighton  is  the  capital  city  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  5,500.  It  is  located  on 
the  Duluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic,  the  Copper  Range,  and  the  Mineral  Range  Railroads,  and  on  the 
south  shore  of  Portage  lake,  14  miles  from  the  mouth  of  Portage  river,  10  from  Lake  Superior  on  the 
west  and  94  northwest  of  Marquette. 

It  is  in  the  midst  of  the  Lake  Superior  copper  region,  a strip  of  country  4 to  6 miles  in  width,  ex- 
tending from  southwest  to  northeast,  through  the  entire  length  of  Keweenaw  peninsula  and  beyond. 
This  range  is  very  rich  in  native  copper,  and  some  of  the  most  productive  mines  in  the  world  are  located 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  town. 

Houghton  contains  one  of  the  finest  court  houses  in  the  Upper  Peninsula,  a city  hall.  Catholic, 
Episcopal,  Methodist  Episcopal,  and  Presbyterian  churches,  2 banks,  daily  and  weekly  newspapers, 
and  a public  school  building  costing  $60,000.  The  Michigan  College  of  Mines  is  also  located  here. 

Calumet  is  the  largest  city  in  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  30,000.  It  is  located  on 
the  Mineral  Range,  the  Copper  Range,  the  Keweenaw  Central,  and  the  Hancock  & Calumet  Railroads, 
14  miles  north  of  Houghton  and  4 from  Lake  Linden,  its  shipping  point  by  water. 

The  city  is  well  lighted  by  electricity,  has  good  police  and  fire  departments,  excellent  drainage 
and  sewer  system,  two  systems  of  water  works,  opera  house,  handsome  parks,  2 hospitals,  first  class 
hotels,  splendid  school  system,  handsome  churches,  3 banks,  2 daily  and  3 weekly  newspapers. 

Calumet  is  the  site  of  the  famous  Calmnet  & Hecla  Copper  mine.  This  mine  is  one  of  the  richest 
in  the  world.  The  machinery  used  for  elevating  the  copper  rock  to  the  surface  and  for  pumping  and 
condensing  air  for  the  drills  is  all  on  an  immense  scale  and  of  the  most  perfect  design. 

The  stamp  mills  and  furnaces  at  Lake  Linden  are  said  to  be  the  largest  in  the  world. 

Other  important  cities  of  the  county  include  Laurium  (pop.  9,000),  Hancock,  (pop.  9,000),  Hubbell, 
(pop.  about  1,200),  and  Lake  Linden,  (pop.  about  2,500). 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Duluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic,  Copper  Range, 
Alineral  Range,  Keweenaw  Central,  Chicago  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  Railroads,  Houghton  Traction  Co. 
(electric),  U.  S.  & Dom.  Trans.  Co.,  Erie  & Western  Trans.  Co.,  Northern  S.  S.  Co.,  and  the  Mutual 
Transit  Co. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1 <7 


IH'RON  ('ORN'I'N'. 

Huron  I’ounlv  was  laiti  out  in  IS  10  and  was  or^^ani/cd  in  IS50.  'I'lic  coniiLy  w>'is  named  for  the 
laUi'  horderinj',  on  tin'  north,  east  and  west,  and  the  lake  in  turn  was  so  called  from  a t.rilie  of  Indians 
called  th('  Unrolls,  which  lived  then'. 

'I'he  eonntv  is  located  in  the  eastc'rn  jiart  of  the  Low('r  l’('ninsnla  in  wliat  is  known  as  ihe  “'rhnmh” 
district.  It  is  honiuU'd  on  tlu'  north  hy  Lak('  I Inron,  on  tiu'  cast  I)y  Lake  I Inron,  on  the.  south  hy  'I'liserda 
ami  Sanilac  I'onnties,  and  on  the  west  hy  that  part  of  hakc'  Huron  known  as  Sa^imaw  Hay  and  hy  'I'lra'ola 
I'onnty. 

'The  total  land  area  is  5d6,h82.()d  acres.  ( )f  tins  nnniher,  about  472,000  acres  are  devoted  to  farms, 
some  of  which  are  of  the  hesl  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  State. 

'Pile  total  po]mlation  of  the  county  is  44,758  (IdlO  census). 

In  1011,  the  State  Hoard  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $24,866,457  on  all  taxable 

lamb 

'Phere  arc  126  schools  which  were  attended  liy  8,475  [lupils  last  year,  requiring  222  teachers. 

The  county  has  17  hanks  and  11  weekly  newspapers.  Also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  scr\’ice  throughout. 

Hml  Axe  is  the  judicial  scat  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  2,000.  It  is  located  on 
the  Pore  Marciucttc  and  Crand  Trunk  Railroads,  63  miles  northwest  of  Port  Huron.  It  has  Baptist, 
Rpiscopal,  Gennan  Evangelical,  Mennonite,  Methodist,  Presbyterian,  and  Catholic  churches,  a $40,000 
high  school,  water  works,  opera  house,  good  hotels,  a $40,000  court  house,  2 banks  and  2 newspapers. 

This  is  the  trading  center  for  a productive  agricultural  section  and  large  quantities  of  grain,  hay, 
seed,  produce  and  live  stock  are  shipped. 

Harbor  Beach  has  a population  of  about  2,000,  and  is  located  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Huron  and  the 
Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  18  miles  east  of  Bad  Axe  and  60  miles  above  Port  Huron.  It  is  a great  grain 
market  for  the  whole  of  the  Huron  Peninsula.  There  are  Baptist,  Free  IMethodist,  Lutheran,  Methodist 
Episcopal,  Presbyterian  and  Catholic  churches,  good  schools,  a library,  an  opera  house,  3 publie  halls, 
2 banks,  water  works,  fire  department,  electric  lighting  plant,  and  two  live  newspapers.  Manufactories 
consist  of  flour,  com  starch,  wheat  starch,  macaroni,  food  pastes,  cement  tile,  building  blocks,  and  butter. 
As  a summer  resort,  the  surroundings  are  splendid. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  are  Caseville,  Elkton,  Kinde,  Owendale,  Pigeon,  Port  Austin,  and  Port 
Hope,  whose  shipments  consist  largely  of  wheat,  cattle,  hay,  sugar  beets  and  flax. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Tmnk,  Pere  Alarquette,  Pontiac 
O.xford  Northern,  Michigan  Central,  and  the  Detroit  and  Huron  Railroads,  also  the  Detroit  and 
Cleveland  Nav.  Co. 


INGHAM  COUNTY. 

Ingham  county  was  laid  out  in  1829  and  was  organized  in  1838.  The  county  was  named  in  honor 
of  Secretary  of  Treasury  Sam’l  D.  Ingham. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  south  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Clinton  and  Shiawassee  counties,  on  the  east  by  Livingston  county,  on  the  south  by  Jackson  county 
and  on  the  west  by  Eaton  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  355,272.91  acres,  of  which  about  334,000  acres  are  devoted  to  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  about  53,310  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $56,119,681. 

There  are  154  schools,  requiring  339  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  8,843  students. 

The  county  has  13  banks,  2 daily  and  9 weekly  newspapers. 

Excellent  telegraph,  telephone  and  mral  mail  servdee  is  found  in  every  community  throughout 
the  cormty. 


138 


MICHIGAN 


Mason  is  the  county  seat  and  has  a popvilation  of  about  2,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Michigan  Central 
Railway,  and  on  the  Michigan  United  Traction  (electric),  12  miles  south  of  Lansing  and  25  north  of 
Jackson. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works  and  sewerage  system,  fire  department,  a fine  court 
house,  a good  public  school  system,  school  library,  an  opera  house  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

The  country  surrounding  is  rich  and  fertile  and  many  wonderfully  productive  farms  are  found. 
Live  stock,  fniit,  grain  and  farm  produce  are  largely  shipped. 

Lansing,  the  Capital  city  of  the  State,  has  a population  of  about  40,()(K).  It  is  located  on  the  Grand 
Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  the  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern,  and  Pere  Marquette  Railroads,  also 
the  Michigan  United  Traction,  (electric),  37  miles  north  of  Jackson  and  88  northwest  of  Detroit. 

The  city  has  beautiful,  wide  and  well  paved  streets,  splendid  water  works  system,  is  lighted  by 
electricity,  excellent  police  and  fire  departments,  electric  light  and  gas  plants,  theatres,  first  class  hotels, 
16  jmblic  and  5 parochial  schools  including  the  new  high  school  just  erected  at  a cost  of  over  $125,000, 
a public  library  costing  abortt  $35,000,  31  churches  of  most  all  denominations,  a Young  Men’s  Christian 
Association,  a Young  Women’s  Christian  Association,  2 daily  and  3 weekly  newspapers,  4 banks,  etc. 

The  manufacture  of  automobiles  forms  the  chief  industry  of  Lansing,  there  being  two  large  automo- 
bile plants  located  here.  Other  industries  include  auto  wheel  works,  auto  body  works,  wheelbarrow 
factory,  several  gasoline  engine  plants,  cut  glass  factories,  cigar  factories,  candy  factories,  machine 
shops,  foundries,  etc. 

The  State  Capitol,  a magnificent  structure  in  the  classic  style  of  architecture,  built  of  stone,  brick 
and  iron,  and  costing  complete,  $1,510,130.59,  was  begun  in  1872  and  finished  in  1878.  It  occupies 
a beautiful,  elevated  site,  consisting  of  four  blocks,  in  the  heart  of  the  city. 

The  Alichigan  Agricultural  College,  located  3 miles  east  of  the  city,  on  a farm  of  684  acres,  divided 
by  the  Cedar  river,  is  a great  attraction  to  all  who  visit  the  city. 

The  State  Industrial  School  for  Boys  is  located  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city,  on  a farm  of  260 
acres. 

The  Michigan  School  for  the  Blind  is  located  in  the  northwest  part  of  the  city,  on  fine  grounds 
of  45  acres. 

A post  office  costing  $150,000  has  been  erected. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  include  Leslie,  (pop.  1,200),  Lyons,  (800  pop.),  and  Williamston,  (pop. 

1,200). 

The  country  tributary  to  these  towns  is  among  the  richest  and  most  productive  sections  in  the 
State.  The  soil  is  adapted  to  many  kinds  of  grains,  fruits,  vegetables,  etc.,  and  stock  raising  is  an  im- 
portant industry. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  Pere  Mar- 
quette, Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern  Railroads,  and  the  Michigan  United  Traction  Co. 

IONIA  COUNTY. 

Ionia  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1837,  and  was  so  named  for  the  ancient 
Greek  district  on  the  west  shore  of  Asia  Minor,  which  for  several  centuries  was  famous  for  its  commerce, 
wealth,  high  civilization  and  social  development. 

The  county  is  located  in  the  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Montcalm  county,  on  the  east  by  Clinton  county,  on  the  south  by  Barry  and  Eaton  counties  and 
on  the  west  by  Kent  county. 

The  total  land  area  is,  366,291.10  acres.  Of  this  nmnber,  about  351,500  acres  are  devoted  to  splendid 
farms. 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911. 
is  $33,657,709. 

The  population  is  33,550  (1910  census). 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


HO 


'I'hi'  I'dimty  Ii;is  150  schools.  I'uniishiii^;  |)(>^;it ions  lor  250  Ic.-u  licrs,  mikI  an  cnrolIincnL  of  5,722  .Lti 

(llMltS. 

'I'hi'iv  ari'  lO  banks,  2 daily  and  10  wci'kly  lu-wsiiapcrs. 

('iiuul  trK'Krapli,  trli-plioiu-  and  rural  mail  survicu  is  I'ound  Uiroti^^lioul,  the  {•ounly. 

Ionia  is  tho  judirial  suat  and  llu'  lar^osL  city  of  tlu-  county.  It  has  a [)opulation  of  abmit  5,500. 
It  is  Ku'atcd  amouji  the  hills  alony;  the  (Irand  rivc-r,  51  miles  cast  of  ("irand  Rai)ids,  and  38  northwest 
of  Lansinj::.  It  is  a station  on  tlu'  Pcrc  Mar(|ucttc,  and  (Irand  d'runk  Railways.  'I'he  dty’s  location 
on  the  hills,  following:;  the  ^iMieral  line  of  the  river  and  extendin}^  far  l)ack,  makes  it  one  rjf  the  most  pic- 
turo.sque  and  attractively  arranpanl  places  in  tlie  State. 

'rhere  are  S ehurelu'S,  3 i)ul)lie  school  buildings,  a $50,000  i)arochial  school  building,  2 banks,  a 
$30,000  aruu)ry,  public  library,  a fire  hall,  a $15,000  city  hall,  opera  house,  municipally  owned  water 
works,  handsome  eourt  hou.se,  electric  lighting  and  water  power  jilant,  gas  plant,  a $65,000  post  office,  2 
daily  ami  twii  weekly  newsiiapcrs. 

Among  the  propsperous  industrial  establishments  arc  found  clothing  and  skirt  factories,  auto  body 
factory,  gasoline  engine  and  implement  works,  flour  mills,  planing  mills,  pottery,  Pere  Marquette  shops, 
glove  factory,  funiiture  factory,  washing  machine  factory,  brick  and  tile  works,  automobile  plant,  cigar 
factories,  machine  shop,  grain  elevator,  creamery,  2 monument  w'orks,  etc. 

Four  miles  to  the  southwest  is  the  Ionia  County  House,  to  the  west  of  the  city  is  the  Michigan 
Refonnatory,  and  to  the  south,  the  State  Hospital. 

Ionia  is  the  rccei\dng  and  distributing  point  for  a rich  agricultural  section  and  is  one  of  the  largest 
bean  shipping  points  in  the  United  States. 

Belding  has  a population  of  about  5,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  and  on 
the  Flat  River,  15  miles  northwest  of  Ionia.  It  has  churches  of  several  denominations,  excellent  schools, 
electric  light  plant,  opera  house,  3 banks,  first  class  hotels  and  two  live  newspapers. 

Manufacturing  industries  consist  of  4 silk  mills,  one  basket  factory,  a canvas  coal  bag  factory, 
shoe  factory,  a paper  box  factory,  sash,  door  and  blind  factory,  a saw  mill,  feed  mill,  refrigerator  factory, 
etc. 

Other  important  towns  of  the  county  are  Portland,  Hubbardston,  Lake  Odessa,  Muir,  Pewamo 
and  Saranac.  The  surrounding  country  produces  beans,  grain,  and  fruit  in  abundance. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  and  the  Grand  Trunk 
Railroads. 


IOSCO  COUNTY. 

This  county  was  laid  out  in  1840,  and  was  then  called  Kanotin,  the  name  of  a famous  Ottawa  chief. 
During  the  same  year  the  name  was  changed  to  that  which  it  now  bears,  and  means  “water  of  light.” 
The  county  was  finally  organized  in  1857. 

It  is  located  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  is  boimded  on  the  north  by  Alcona 
county,  on  the  east  by  Lake  Huron,  on  the  south  by  Arenac  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Ogemaw  county. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  354,821.51  acres,  of  which  about  115,000  acres  are  devoted 
to  good  farms 

The  population  of  the  county  is  about  9,753  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $3,573,893. 

Educational  advantages  offered  in  Iosco  county  are  equal  in  many  respects  to  those  of  the  larger 
counties.  There  are  schools,  requiring  69  teachers,  and  2,173  students  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  6 banks  and  3 w'eekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service  is  to  be  found  in  the  county. 

Tawas  City  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  and  is  located  on  the  Detroit  & Alackinac  Ry.,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Tawas  river,  on  the  indentation  of  Saginaw  Bay,  known  as  Tawas  Bay,  one  of  the  best 


140 


MICHIGAN 


natural  harbors  on  Lake  Huron,  60  miles  by  rail  from  Bay  City.  Has  Baptist,  2 German  Lutheran, 
Methodist  and  Presbyterian  churehes,  exeellent  public  schools,  2 Lutheran  schools,  a county  normal 
school,  a ])ublic  lil)rary,  a bank,  a court  house,  2 grain  elevators  and  a weekly  newspaper.  The  shops 
of  the  Detroit  and  Mackinac  Railroad  arc  also  located  here.  The  population  of  the  town  is  about  1,300. 

East  Tawas  is  the  largest  town  in  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  1,500.  It  is  located 
on  the  Detroit  & Mackinac  Ry.,  and  on  the  north  shore  of  Tawas  Bay,  11  miles  above  Tawas  City  and 
61  l)y  rail  from  Bay  City. 

ft  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  fire  department,  churches  of  the  Baptist,  Episcopal, 
Methodist,  Presljyterian  and  Catholic  denominations,  good  schools,  an  opera  house,  2 banks  and  a 
weekly  newspaper. 

Other  thriving  towns  of  the  county  include  Au  Sable,  Oscoda,  and  Whittemore. 

The  leading  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Detroit  and  Mackinac,  and  the  Au  Sable 
& Northwestern  Railroads,  the  Detroit  & Cleveland  Nav.  Co.,  and  the  Erie  and  Michigan  Ry.  & Nav. 
Co. 


IRON  COUNTY. 

Iron  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1885.  It  was  so  named  because  of  the  heavy  iron  de- 
posits which  are  found  throughout. 

It  is  located  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Houghton 
and  Baraga  counties,  on  the  east  by  Marquette  and  Dickinson  counties,  on  the  south  by  Wisconsin 
and  on  the  west  by  Gogebic  and  Ontonagon  counties. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  760,143.11  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  30,000  acres  are  now 
devoted  to  fanns. 

The  population  is  15,164  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $30,314,143  on  all  taxable 
land. 

The  county  has  41  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  141  teachers,  and  last  year’s  records  showed 
a total  of  3,807  students  in  attendance. 

There  are  3 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers,  also  telegraph  and  telephone  service  in  the  coimty. 

Crystal  Falls  is  the  largest  city,  also  the  county  seat.  It  has  a population  of  about  3,500.  The 
city  is  located  on  the  Paint  river  and  on  the  Chicago  & Northwestern,  and  the  Chicago  Milwaukee 
& St.  Paul  Railroads,  18  miles  east  of  Iron  River,  and  17  from  Florence,  Wis. 

In  the  vicinity  are  29  iron  mines.  The  city  owns  and  operates  its  own  water  works  and  electric 
light  plant,  has  a good  fire  department,  sanitary  sewerage,  a good  public  school  system,  including  a 
high  school  erected  at  a cost  of  about  $65,000,  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Presbyterian,  Bap- 
tist, Catholic,  Swedish  and  Finnish  Lutheran  and  Swedish  Methodist  denominations,  a $60,000  court 
house,  an  opera  house,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Iron  River  has  a population  of  about  3,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Rail- 
road, 17  miles  west  of  Crystal  Falls.  It  has  churches  of  the  following  denominations:  Episcopal, 
Methodist,  Presbyterian,  Swedish  Baptist,  Swedish  Lutheran  and  Catholic,  a good  school  system 
including  a high  school  erected  at  a cost  of  about  $35,000,  water  works,  fire  department,  a bank  and 
a weekly  newspaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Chicago  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul,  and 
the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Railroads. 


ISABELLA  COUNTY. 

Isabella  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1859,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Queen 
Isabella  of  Spain. 

It  is  located  in  the  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Clare  county. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


111 


(Ml  tlu'  ('list  liy  Midlaiicl  county,  un  the  south  by  Moutcahu  and  (iratJoL  count, ic:.  ;iud  on  l.hc  west  hy 
Mi'costa  county. 

'I'lu'  total  laud  area  is  d()S.7  U)  aiTcs,  of  which  about,  dOO, ()()()  acres  arc  devoted  to  farms  which  are 
very  produi'tivi'. 

'Pile  federal  census  of  l')l()  I’ivcs  the  county  a population  of  '2d, (>20. 

'Phe  valuation  of  taxable'  property  as  estimati'd  by  the  State  Hoard  of  'I'ax  (Commissioners  in  191 1, 
is  S1().()2S.215. 

'Phe  school  system  is  ceiual  to  that  of  any  of  the  larger  counties,  there  btiing  11.'?  sehofels,  reeiuiring 
the  services  of  152  teaehers,  and  an  attendance  of  4,806  students. 

'Phe  county  has  8 banks  and  4 weekly  newspapers,  (food  telephone,  telcgrafjh  and  rural  mail 
serviee  is  to  be  had  in  every  community. 

Mount  Pleasant,  the  capital  city  of  the  county,  contains  about  4,500  people.  It  is  located  on  the 
Chippewa  river,  and  on  the  Ann  Arbor,  and  Pore  Marciucttc  Railroads,  53  miles  northwest  of  Saginaw 
and  149  from  Detroit.  The  city  has  an  excellent  system  of  public  improvements,  is  lighted  by  gas  and 
electricity,  a good  sewerage  and  drainage  system,  a good  water  works,  fire  department,  paved  streets, 
a 40  acre  park,  oj)era  house,  2 banks,  first  class  hotels,  a fine  court  house,  public  library,  2 weekly  news- 
papers, churches  of  the  Adventist,  Baptist,  Disciples,  Episcopal,  Gcnnan  Imtheran,  Methodist,  Presby- 
terian, Unitarian  and  Catholic  denominations,  splendid  school  system,  etc. 

'fhe  city’s  industrial  interests  include  among  others  a milk  condensing  plant,  veneer  works,  chicory 
factory,  calcium  works,  cigar  factories  flour  mill,  planing  mill,  grain  elevators,  light  and  fuel  plant, 
hub  and  lath  mill,  foundrj^  etc.  The  surrounding  country  is  rich  and  productive  and  produces  a wide 
diversity  of  crops. 

Shepherd  has  a population  of  about  1,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Ann  Arbor  Railroad,  and  on  Salt 
river,  7 miles  southeast  of  Mount  Pleasant.  It  has  Baptist,  Christian,  Methodist,  United  Brethren 
and  Catholic  churches,  a graded  public  school,  an  opera  house,  2 banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Ann  Arbor,  and  Pere  Marquette  Rail- 
roads. 


JACKSON  COUNTY. 

Jackson  county  was  laid  out  in  1829  and  was  organized  in  1832,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Presi- 
dent Andrew  Jackson. 

It  is  located  in  the  south  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  botmded  on  the  north  by  Eaton 
and  Ingham  counties,  on  the  east  by  Washtenaw  county,  on  the  south  by  Hillsdale  and  Lenawee  counties 
and  on  the  west  by  Calhoun  county. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  453,452.12  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  423,000  acres  are 
in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  53,426.  (1910  census.) 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $53,728,238. 

The  county  has  172  schools,  attended  by  8,831  students,  requiring  345  teachers. 

There  are  13  banks,  2 daily  and  8 weekly  newspapers. 

All  parts  of  the  county  are  provided  with  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  servdee. 

Jackson  is  the  largest  city,  also  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county.  It  is  located  on  Grand  River,  and 
on  the  Michigan  Central,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern,  Grand  Trunk,  Cincinnati  Northern  Rys., 
also  the  Michigan  United  Traction,  and  the  Detroit  L^nited  Railway  (electric).  The  Michigan  Central 
car  shops  are  located  here. 

The  city  has  an  area  of  9 square  miles,  10  m les  of  paving,  54  miles  of  public  sew'ers,  6 public  parks, 
comprising  58  acres,  a water  works  plant  valued  at  $900,000,  85  miles  of  water  mains,  well  equipped 
fire  department,  efficient  police  department,  32  churches,  17  public  school  building,  3 sanitarimns,  a 


142 


MICHIGAN 


city  hospital,  2 daily  and  2 weekly  newspapers,  a library,  5 banks,  6 theatres,  first  class  hotels.  The 
State  Penitentiary  is  also  located  here. 

The  manufactnring  industries  are  many  and  include  acetylene  gas  generators,  advertising  sign 
boards,  agricultural  tools,  aluminum  castings,  antiseptic  cans,  automatic  machinery,  automobiles, 
automobile  accessories,  bank  and  office  fixtures,  boilers,  blank  books,  carriages  and  wagons,  cement 
mixers,  flour,  flour  mill  machinery,  furnaces,  gasoline  engines,  glass,  mirrors,  machine  tools,  pumps,  ete. 

A large  and  very  successful  industry  is  the  cultivation  of  celery,  onions,  and  small  fruits. 

(4thcr  towns  of  the  county  include  Grass  Lake,  Springport,  Brooklyn,  Concord,  Hanover,  and 
Panna.  Their  shiynnents  consist  largely  of  grain,  apples,  potatoes  and  live  stock. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  Lake  Shore 
and  Alichigan  Southern,  Cincinnati  Northern  Railroads,  and  the  Detroit  United  Railways  Company, 
and  the  Michigan  United  Traction  Company. 

KALAMAZOO  COUNTY. 

Kalamazoo  county  was  laid  out  in  1829  and  was  organized  in  1830.  It  takes  its  name  from  the 
river  which  was  called  Ke-Kala-mazoo,  which  name  is  said  to  be  of  Indian  derivation  and  interpreted 
by  some  as  meaning  “bright,  sparkling  water.” 

It  is  located  in  the  southwestern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Allegan 
and  Barry  counties,  on  the  east  by  Calhoun  county,  on  the  south  by  St.  Joseph  county  and  on  the  west 
by  Van  Buren  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  359,234.70  acres,  of  which  about  332,000  acres  are  in  beautiful  farms. 

The  population  is  60,427  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  vState  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $73,098,142  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

There  are  138  schools  which  were  attended  by  10,642  pupils  last  year,  requiring  the  services  of 
415  teachers. 

The  county  has  13  banks,  2 daily  and  several  weekly  newspapers.  Telephone,  telegraph  and  rriral 
mail  service  provide  for  the  necessities  and  add  to  the  comforts  of  life. 

Kalamazoo  is  the  county  seat,  also  the  largest  city,  having  about  45,000  inhabitants.  It  is  located 
on  the  Michigan  Central,  Grand  Trunk,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana, 
Chicago  Kalamazoo  & Saginaw,  and  the  Kalamazoo  Lake  Shore  & Chicago  Railroads,  also  the  Mich- 
igan United  Traction  Co.  (electric),  144  miles  west  of  Detroit  and  49  south  of  Grand  Rapids. 

The  city  has  an  excellent  water  system,  police  and  fire  departments,  municipal  electric  lighting 
plant,  gas  plant,  sanitary  sewerage  system,  22  miles  of  brick  and  asphalt  pavement,  hospitals  and  sani- 
tariums, first  class  hotels,  beautiful  theatres,  several  parks,  incltiding  more  than  85  acres,  splendid  school 
system, — the  Western  State  Normal  School,  a new  million  dollar  institution,  is  located  here,  a beautiful 
public  library,  about  42  churches  representing  the  leading  denominations,  4 banks,  2 daily  and  7 weekly 
newspapers. 

The  principal  industries . include  manufactories  of  book  paper,  corsets,  windmills  and  tanks,  gas 
lamps  and  heaters,  and  regalia  for  fraternal  organizations.  There  are  6 paper  mills  in  the  city  and 
immediate  vicinity,  41  metal  working  plants,  vehicle  works,  and  numerous  plants  manufacturing  blank 
books,  playing  cards,  tablets  and  other  paper  goods.  Kalamazoo  is  known  as  the  world’s  center  in 
the  growth  of  celery  and  peppermint. 

Vicksburg  is  located  on  the  Portage  River,  at  the  intersection  of  the  Grand  Trunk,  and  the  Grand 
Rapids  & Indiana  Rys.,  13  miles  south  of  Kalamazoo,  23  southwest  of  Battle  Creek  and  62  south  of 
Grand  Rapids.  The  population  is  about  2,000. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  opera  house,  good  hotels,  churches  of  several 
denominations,  a union  school,  two  banks,  and  two  weekly  newspapers. 

The  more  important  industrial  interests  include  a paper  mill,  flour  mill,  2 gasoline  engine  works, 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


Mi 


niiu’liiiu'  l;u'ti>ry.  cement  liloek  wnrks.  I'lii'ine  governor  works,  elot.liiii^'  faeLory,  erearriery,  frte. 
Vieksl)Ul•^;  is  llie  I'et'eiein).;  and  slii|)|)in);  point,  for  lar^e  ( |nant  it  ies  of  }.;rain,  farm  prodnec;,  wool  and  flour, 

(>tlH‘r  towns  of  importanei'  ari“  ( falesl )nrpp  where  eonsiderahle  blooded  stock  is  raised;  An^Mista, 
(.'limax  and  Schoolcraft,  all  in  }j;ood  aprienlt ural  si'ction. 

'I'ransportalion  faeilitii'S  of  the  comity  inelndi'  the  bake  shore?  iK:  Michigan  Sonthern,  flnanel  ka.[)ids 
vV  Imliana,  (fraud  'I'rnnk,  Mii'hi^an  ('I'litral,  and  the  ('hica^jo  Kakamazoo  & Saginaw  Railroarls,  and 
the  Michij^an  United  'Prae'tiou  ('o.  (electric). 

KALKASKA  COUNTY. 

Kalkaska  county  was  laid  out  in  1840,  and  was  at  that  time  called  Wahasscc.  the  name  of  a Potta- 
watomie chief.  In  1843  the  name  was  changed  to  Kalkaska,  and  later  in  1871  the  eounty  was  finally 
organized. 

'Phis  county  is  locateel  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Lower  lYninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Antrim  county,  on  the  east  by  Crawford  eounty,  on  the  south  by  Missaukee  eounty  and  on  the  west 
by  (fraud  Traverse  eounty. 

'Phe  total  land  area  of  the  eounty  is  359,669.30  aeres.  Of  this  number,  about  81,000  aeres  are 
already  devoted  to  good  farms. 

The  poimlation  is  8,097  (1910  eensus). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $8,082,745. 

The  eounty  has  55  sehools,  supplying  positions  for  77  teaehers,  and  last  year’s  report  showed  a 
total  of  1,972  ehildren  in  attendanee. 

There  are  2 banks  and  1 weekly  newspaper,  and  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  serviee 
is  to  be  found. 

Kalkaska  is  the  largest  town,  also  the  judieial  seat  of  the  eounty.  It  is  loeated  on  the  Pere  Mar- 
quette, and  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroads,  137  miles  north  of  Grand  Rapids.  It  has  eleetrie 
lights,  good  water  works  system,  an  up-to-date  sehool  system,  ehurches  of  the  Congregational,  Method- 
ist, Baptist,  Christian  Seienee  and  Diseiples  denominations,  a $17,000  eourt  house,  a light  and  power 
plant,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  The  industries  inelude  a saw  mill,  eant  hook  works,  grist 
and  planing  mill,  eyele  works,  ete.  Lumber,  ginseng,  live  stoek,  farm  and  dairy  produets  are  shipped. 

Prineipal  transportation  faeilities  of  the  eounty  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana, 
and  the  Manistee  and  Northeastern  Railroads 

KENT  COUNTY. 

Kent  County  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1836,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  James 
Kent,  a well  known  expounder  of  the  prineiples  of  the  Ameriean  Law. 

The  eounty  is  loeated  in  the  west  eentral  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Newa5^go  and  Montealm  eounties,  on  the  east  by  Montealm  and  Ionia  eounties,  on  the  south  by  Alle- 
gan and  Barry  eounties,  and  on  the  west  by  Muskegon  and  Ottawa  eounties. 

Total  land  area  is  545,815.30  aeres,  of  whieh  about  487,000  aeres  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  159,145  (1910  eensus). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  plaeed  a valuation  of  $187,536,358  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

The  eounty  has  240  sehools,  an  enrollment  of  25,958  students,  requiring  881  teaehers. 

There  are  22  banks,  3 daily  and  22  weekly  newspapers. 

There  is  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  serviee  throughout  the  eounty. 

Grand  Rapids,  is  the  judieial  seat  and  the  largest  eity  in  the  eoimty.  It  is  also  the  seeond  largest 
eity  in  the  State.  Population  is  shown  by  1910  eensus  to  be  112,571,  now  estimated  at  more  than 
130,000. 


144 


MICHIGAN 


It  is  located  at  the  head  of  navigation  on  Grand  River,  in  a rieh  agricultural  section,  30  miles  from 
Lake  Michigan,  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central 
and  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern  Railroads,  also  several  electric  lines. 

The  City  has  an  area  of  17.5  sqi;are  miles,  46  miles  of  paving  191  miles  of  public  sewers,  195  miles 
of  gas  mains,  196  miles  of  water  mains.  There  are  many  beautiful  parks,  covering  over  400  acres,  18 
theatres  and  vaudeville  house,  31  public  homes  and  hosjutals,  and  about  100  churches  representing 
nearly  every  denomination.  There  are  37  public  schools,  in  addition  to  which  are  many  private  and 
denominational  schools,  a l)eautiful  public  library,  beautiful  new  post  office  building,  an  immense  water 
works,  police  and  fire  departments,  10  banks,  many  of  which  have  several  branches. 

Grand  Rapids  is  one  of  the  largest  furniture  manufacturing  cities  in  the  world  and  is  known  the 
world  over  as  the  “Furniture  City.”  A few  of  the  many  successful  manufacturing  industries  are,  all 
kinds  of  furniture,  show  cases,  sticky  fly  paper,  flour  and  grist  mills,  gypsum,  planing  and  interior  finish 
mills,  printeries,  foundry  and  machine  shops,  carpet  sweepers,  vehicles,  boots  and  shoes,  hosiery  and 
knit  goods,  railway  construction  and  repair  shops,  refrigerators,  wood  turning  and  carving,  mirrors, 
and  ornamental  glass,  cigars,  copper  and  sheet  metal  works,  etc.  It  is  estimated  that  in  the  manu- 
facture of  furniture,  the  annual  output  is  in  excess  of  $10,000,000. 

Grand  Rapids  is  the  center  of  one  of  the  finest  producing  districts  in  the  entire  country.  The 
city  affords  an  excellent  home  market  for  the  products  of  many  nearby  farms  and  orchards,  but  solid 
carload  lots  of  potatoes,  beans,  peaches,  apples,  small  fruits  and  greenhouse  products  are  also  shipped 
by  the  commission  men. 

Other  towns  of  importance  are  Caledonia,  Cedar  Springs,  Grandville,  Lowell,  Sparta,  Ada,  Rockford 
and  Sand  Lake,  all  in  good  agricultural  sections. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana,  Pere  Mar- 
quette, Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern,  Grand  Rapids  Holland 
& Chicago  and  the  Grand  Rapids  Grand  Haven  & Muskegon  Railways,  and  the  Michigan  United 
Traction  Co. 


KEWEENAW  COUNTY. 

Keweenaw  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1861,  and  included  Manitou  and  Isle  Royal.  The 
name  is  taken  from  the  Indian  word  “ Ki-wi-wai-ni-ning”  meaning  a portage  or  a place  where  a portage 
is  made. 

This  county  is  of  peninsular  formation  and  is  located  in  the  extreme  northern  part  of  the  Upper 
Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north,  east  and  west  by  Lake  Superior,  and  on  the  south  by  Lake 
Superior  and  Houghton  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  348,468.34  acres.  Of  this  number  about  3,000  acres  are  devoted  to  farms, 
although  the  cotmty  is  particularly  noted  for  its  copper  mines. 

The  poptflation  is  7,156.  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $16,784,413. 

The  school  system  of  the  comity  is  good  and  consists  of  15  schools,  an  enrollment  of  1,713  students, 
requiring  the  services  of  50  teachers. 

There  is  1 bank  and  1 weekly  newspaper.  The  county  has  good  telegraph  and  telephone  service. 

Eagle  River  has  a population  of  about  200,  and  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county.  It  is  located 
on  the  north  shore  of  the  Keweenaw  peninsula  on  Lake  Superior,  at  the  mouth  of  the  stream  from  which 
it  derives  its  name.  It  is  2 miles  from  Phoenix,  the  nearest  railroad  approach.  It  has  a Methodist 
church.  The  banking  facilities  are  at  Calumet,  16  miles  distant. 

Ahmeek  has  a population  of  about  1,200  and  is  the  largest  town  in  the  county.  It  is  11  miles  from 
Eagle  river  and  2|  miles  from  Mohawk. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Mineral  Range,  Keweenaw  Central 
Railroads,  and  the  Houghton  Traction  Company. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


MS 


I.AKIC  ('OUN'I'Y. 

LaUt'  I'ouiity  was  laid  oul.  in  IS  10  and  was  lirsL  named  Ais.Iienm,  I he  name  of  a I'ol  lawalomie  Chief, 
In  IS-Id  the  nami' was  ehai4;ed.  'rhi'eonnty  was  linally  or},;ani/,ed  in  1S7I.  d'lie  name  Cake  i'.  peenliarly 
nnapproi'fiale  to  this  eonnty  as  it  is  an  inland  comity  and  contains  hnt  few  lakes  of  any  size. 

It  is  loi'ated  in  aliont  the  west  eentral  part  of  the  Lower  I'eninsnia.  Its  Ixnmdaries  are;  MariisUa: 
and  Wexford  I'onnties  on  the  north,  Osceola  eonnty  on  the  ('ast,  Newayj'o  eonnty  on  the  south,  and 
Mason  eonnty  on  the  west. 

'I'lie  total  land  area  of  tlic  eonnty  is  365, ,30.1.85  aeres.  Of  this  numltcr,  about  88, ()()()  acres  arc 
now  in  farms. 

'Pile  population  is  4,0,34. 

In  1011,  the  State  Hoard  of  'Pax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $4,267,208  on  all  taxable 
lamls. 

'Phere  are  48  schools,  requiring  the  services  of  67  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  1,237  stndents 
last  year. 

'Phe  county  has  2 banks,  2 weekly  newspapers  and  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  mral  mail  service. 

Baldwin  is  the  county  scat,  and  has  a population  of  about  550.  It  is  located  on  the  Perc  Marquette 
river  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  74  miles  nortli  of  Grand  Rapids.  It  has  Congregational  and 
Episcopal  churches,  a graded  public  school,  good  hotels,  a $10, ()()()  court  house  and  a weekly  newspaper. 
In  the  immediate  vicinity  are  to  be  found  some  of  the  finest  trout  streams  in  Northern  Michigan.  Live 
stock,  potatoes  and  huckleberries  are  shipped. 

Luther  is  the  largest  town  in  the  county.  Population,  900.  It  is  located  on  the  Little  Manistee 
river  and  on  the  Manistee  and  Grand  Rapids  Railroad,  18  miles  northeast  of  Baldwin.  It  has  churches 
of  Baptist,  Christian,  Epi,scopal,  Methodist  and  Catholic  denominations,  a graded  public  school,  a bank 
and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Manistee  and  Grand  Rapids,  and  the  Pere  Marquette 
Railroads. 


LAPEER  COUNTY. 

Lapeer  county  was  laid  out  in  1822  and  was  organized  in  18,35.  The  name  was  taken  from  the 
french  word  “La  Pierre,”  which  means  flint  stones. 

It  is  located  in  about  the  east  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Tuscola  and  Sanilac  counties,  on  the  east  by  Sanilac  and  Saint  Clair  cotmties,  on  the  south  by  Oakland 
and  Macomb  counties  and  on  the  west  by  Genesee  county. 

Total  land  area  is  423,535.96  acres,  of  which  about  400,000  acres  are  in  fine  farms. 

The  population  of  the  county  is  26,0,33.  (1910  census). 

The- valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $21,060,841. 

The  school  system  in  this  county  is  equal  in  every  respect  to  that  of  the  other  counties.  There 
are  135  schools,  attended  by  5,491  students,  supplying  positions  for  205  teachers. 

There  are  16  banks  and  7 weekly  newspapers.  Good  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service 
are  found  throughout  the  county. 

Lapeer  is  the  judicial  seat  and  the  largest  city  in  the  county,  with  a population  of  about  4,000. 
It  is  located  on  the  Flint  river  at  the  crossing  of  the  Grand  Tiamk,  and  Michigan  Central  Railroads, 
in  the  heart  of  one  of  the  richest  and  most  productive  agricultural  sections  in  the  State,  46  miles  west 
of  Port  Huron  and  60  north  of  Detroit. 

There  are  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Baptist,  Methodist  Protestant,  Presbyterian,  and  Catholic 
denominations,  and  public  schools  which  rank  among  the  best  in  the  State.  The  Michigan  Home  for 
the  Feeble-AIinded  and  Epileptic  is  located  here  on  360  acres  of  land. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a fine  water  works  system,  good  fire  department,  complete 
JO 


146 


MICHIGAN 


sewerage  system,  wide  and  well  paved  streets,  a library,  first  class  hotels,  3 banks,  2 live  weekly  news- 
papers, etc. 

The  manufacturing  industries  consist  of  flour  mills,  stove  factory,  foundry  and  machine  shops,  carri- 
age and  wagon  works,  creamery,  etc. 

Other  thriving  towns  of  the  county  arc  Almont,  Clifford,  Columbiaville,  Dryden,  Imlay  City, 
Metamora,  North  Branch,  and  Otter  Lake. 

Imlay  city  is  located  on  the  Belle  river  and  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  12  miles  east  of  Lapeer, 
and  59  north  of  Detroit.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  fire  department,  churches  of 
the  Congregational,  Methodist,  Episcopal,  Baptist,  Gernian  Lutheran  and  Catholic  denominations,  a 
$20, 000  school,  a city  hall,  opera  house,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  The  principal  exports  of 
the  surrounding  country  are  grain,  live  stock,  lumber  and  farm  produce. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  and 
the  Pontiac  Oxford  & Northern  Railroads. 

LEELANAU  COUNTY. 

Leelanau  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  organized  in  1863.  The  name — according  to  an 
Indian  legend — means  “Delight  of  Life.” 

This  county  is  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Its  boimdaries  are  Lake  Mich- 
igan on  the  west  and  north.  Grand  Traverse  Bay  on  the  east,  and  Benzie  and  Grand  Traverse 
counties  on  the  south. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  220,233.58  acres,  of  which  about  160,000  acres  are  in  good  farms. 

The  population  is  10,608.  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $6,388,512. 

There  are  61  schools,  supplying  positions  for  84  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  2,385  sttidents. 

The  county  has  5 banks  and  3 weekly  newspapers,  also  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service. 

Leland  is  the  county  seat,  and  has  a population  of  about  400.  It  is  located  at  the  mouth  of  Leelanau 
river,  the  outlet  of  Lake  Leelanau,  on  the  west  shore  of  the  peninsula  forming  Leelanau  county,  25  miles 
northwest  of  Traverse  City,  and  4h  north  of  Provemont,  its  nearest  railroad  point.  There  are  Lutheran 
and  Methodist  churches,  and  a weekly  newspaper  is  published.  Leland  has  become  popular  as  an  ideal 
summer  resort. 

Empire,  the  largest  town  in  the  county  has  about  650  inhabitants.  It  is  located  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Michigan  and  on  the  Manistee  and  Northeastern  Railroad,  28  miles  southwest  of  Leland  and  about 
the  same  distance  from  Traverse  City.  It  has  Catholic  and  Methodist  churches,  a bank  and  a weekly 
newspaper. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  are  Northport,  (pop.  600),  and  Buttons  Bay,  (pop.  600). 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Empire  and  Southeastern,  Manistee  and  North- 
eastern, Traverse  City  Leelanau  & Manistique  Railroads,  and  the  Northern  Michigan  Trans.  Co. 

LENAWEE  COUNTY. 

Lenawee  county  was  laid  out  in  1822  and  was  organized  in  1826.  The  name  is  of  Indian  deriva- 
tion from  the  Delaware  Indian  word  “Leno,”  meaning  man. 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  southenr  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Jackson  and  Washtenaw  counties,  on  the  east  by  Monroe  county,  on  the  south  by  Ohio,  and  on  the 
west  by  Hillsdale  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  466,677.51  acres,  of  which  about  463,000  acres  are  devoted  to  farms  which 
are  wonderfully  productive. 

The  population  is  47,907.  (1910  census). 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


147 


In  1*M1,  th('  Stall'  Hoard  of  'I'ax  ('oniiniMsioiU'rs  placed  a v.ahialioti  of  $5K,337,S81  on  all  taxable 
lands  in  the  connly. 

'I'hc  school  system  is  c([nal  in  every  respect  to  that  of  the  other  eonnties.  'I'here  are  2t)S  sehiiols, 
S,721  children  in  attendance,  rciinirin^  d51  teaclicrs. 

'rhcrc  arc  22  hanks,  2 daily  and  S weekly  nowspajK'rs. 

ICxccllcnt  telegraph,  telephone  and  rnr.al  mail  service  is  found  in  every  (community. 

Adrian  is  the  jndieial  seat  of  the  county,  .also  the  largest  city,  having  about  11,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  located  on  the  south  branch  of  the  river  Raisin  and  on  the  Detroit  Toledo  & fronton.  Lake  Shore 
tV  Michigan  Southern,  and  the  Wabash  Railroads,  33  miles  northwest  of  Toledo,  58  southwest  of  Detroit 
and  S3  south  of  Lansing.  'Phe  city  is  noted  for  its  beautiful  shade  trees  and  its  wide  pleasant  avenues. 
It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  with  good  iiolice  and  fire  departments,  a fine  system  of  water  works,  5 parks,  a 
$51,000  iiostolliec,  a $40,000  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  a $36,000  public  library,  a high  school  erected  at  a cost  of 
about  $100,000.  Adrian  college,  an  institution  controlled  by  the  Methodist  Protestant  denomination, 
and  the  State  Industrial  Home  for  Girls  are  located  here.  There  are  about  17  churches  representing 
the  leading  denominations. 

The  school  facilities  of  Adrian  arc  among  the  best  in  the  State  and  include  several  public  schools 
and  4 parochial  schools.  Adrian  has  5 banks,  an  opera  house,  first  class  hotels  and  2 daily  newspapers. 

Adrian  is  one  of  the  largest  producers  of  wire  fence  in  the  country.  In  addition  to  this  great  in- 
dustry there  are  funiiturc  factories,  basket  and  veneer  works,  a large  condensed  milk  factory,  2 large 
knitting  mills,  flour  mills,  brick  and  tile  machinery  manufactory,  carriage  works,  handle  factory, 
planing  mills,  granite  and  marble  works,  foundry  and  machine  shops,  steel  casting  works,  boiler  works, 
bicycle  and  machinery  works,  manufactories  of  screen  doors,  steel  posts,  pumps,  cheese,  cigars,  razor 
strops,  cement  blocks,  gloves,  etc. 

Large  quantities  of  grain,  live  stock,  dairy  produce,  pork,  lard,  fruit,  etc.,  are  shipped.  There 
are  numerous  large  nurseries  located  near  the  city. 

Tecmnsch,  another  prosperous  city  has  a population  of  about  3,000.  It  is  located  on  the  River 
Raisin  and  on  the  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern,  the  Detroit  Toledo  & Ironton  Railways,  and  the 
Detroit  Toledo  and  Monroe  Short  Line  Ry.,  9 miles  north  of  Adrian,  33  from  Jackson,  and  59  from 
Detroit. 

The  town  is  beautifully  laid  out  with  wide,  well  paved  and  shaded  streets,  owns  and  operates  its 
own  electric  light  plant  and  water  wnrks,  has  a fine  sewerage  system,  an  efficient  fire  department,  churches 
of  the  leading  denominations,  a high  school  and  3 wnrd  school  buildings,  good  hotels,  an  opera  house, 
2 banks  and  2 newspapers. 

Among  the  more  prominent  industries  are  2 floiuing  mills,  brick  and  tile  machinery  and  clay  crusher 
manufactory,  planing  mill,  a foundry,  wire  fence  factory,  manufactories  of  building  material,  engines, 
castings,  boilers,  brick  and  tile,  macaroni,  carriages,  w^agons,  etc. 

Tecumseh  is  the  trade  center  for  one  of  the  richest  agricultural  sections  in  the  State,  and  an  im- 
portant industry  is  that  of  celery  growdng. 

Other  important  towns  are  Addison,  Blissfield,  (pop.  1,550),  Britton,  Clayton,  Clinton,  (pop.  1,200), 
Deerfield,  Hudson,  (pop.  2,300),  Morenci,  (pop.  1,600),  and  Onsted,  and  Cement  City. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Lake  Shore  and  Alichigan  Southern, 
Wabash,  Detroit  Toledo  & Ironton,  and  the  Cincinnati  Northern  Railways,  and  the  Detroit  Toledo 
& Short  line  (electric). 


LIVINGSTON  COUNTY. 

Livingston  county  was  laid  out  in  1833  and  was  organized  in  1836.  It  was  named  in  honor  of 
Edw'ard  Li\4ngston,  then  Sec.  of  State  and  subsequently  Ivlinister  to  France. 

This  county  is  located  towards  the  southeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  north  by  Shiawassee  and  Genesee  counties,  on  the  east  by  Oakland  county,  on  the  south  by  Wash- 
tenaw county  and  on  the  west  by  Ingham  county. 


148 


MICHIGAN 


4'hc  total  land  area  is  370,871.03  acres,  of  which  about  350,000  acres  are  in  farms  which  are  among 
the  very  best  in  the  State. 

The  population  is  17,736  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $22,502,238  on  all  taxable 
lands  in  the  county. 

d'hcre  are  137  schools,  3,413  students  in  attendanee,  requiring  the  serviees  of  199  teachers. 

The  county  has  8 banks  and  7 weekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service  is  found  in  every  eommunity. 

Howell  is  the  judicial  seat,  also  the  largest  town  in  the  county,  having  about  2,500  inhabitants.  It 
is  located  on  the  Pere  Marquette,  and  Ann  Arbor  Railroads,  34  miles  southeast  of  Lansing  and  54  north- 
west of  Detroit.  It  is  lighted  by  electrieity,  has  a fine  system  of  water  works,  a fire  department,  7 
ehurches,  a eentral  high  and  2 ward  sehools,  a $15,000  library,  a $25,000  eourt  house,  opera  house, 
good  hotels,  2 banks,  and  up-to-date  newspapers. 

A large  eondensed  milk  faetory  using  about  70,000  pounds  of  milk  daily  is  loeated  here.  Other 
industries  consist  of  wire  specialty  works,  creamery,  flour  mills,  planing  mills,  cigar  factories,  grain  ele- 
vators, etc.  This  is  the  location  of  the  State  Sanitorium  for  Tuberculosis  and  is  the  second  largest 
Holstein  cattle  center  in  America. 

Fowlerville  has  a popidation  of  about  1,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  9 miles 
northwest  of  Howell  and  63  from  Detroit. 

It  has  Baptist,  Lutheran,  Methodist  Episcopal  and  Catholic  churches,  good  schools,  an  opera  house, 
electric  lights,  a city  hall,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

The  entire  county  is  particularly  well  adapted  for  dairying  and  cattle  raising  and  has  some  of  the 
largest  Holstein  dairies  in  America.  The  surrotmding  coimtry  is  also  adapted  to  agriculture,  large 
quantities  of  wheat,  com,  beans,  potatoes  and  hay  are  raised. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  are  Brighton  and  Pinckney. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Tnmk,  and 
Ann  Arbor  Railroads. 


LUCE  COUNTY. 

Luce  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1887  after  being  separated  from  Chippewa  and  Maekinac 
counties  of  which  it  was  a part.  It  was  named  in  honor  of  Cyms  G.  Luce,  then  Governor  of  the  State. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  582,654.15  acres.  Of  of  this  number  about  21,000  acres  have 
already  been  converted  into  farms. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Lake  Superior,  on  the  east  by  Chippewa  county,  on  the  south  by  Mackinac  county,  and  on  the  west 
by  Alger  and  Schoolcraft  counties. 

The  population  is  4,004  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $6,256,418. 

The  county  has  17  schools,  an  enrollment  of  962  students,  requiring  the  serviees  of  38  teachers. 

There  is  1 bank  and  1 weekly  newspaper,  while  telegraph,  telephone  and  mral  mail  service  add 
to  the  conveniences. 

Newberry  is  the  county  seat,  also  the  largest  town,  (pop.  1,300).  It  is  loeated  on  the  Duluth  South 
Shore  & Atlantic  Railroad,  55  miles  northwest  of  St  Ignace,  56  southwest  of  Sault  Ste.  Marie  and  96 
southeast  of  Marquette.  It  has  good  system  of  water  works,  eleetric  lights,  churches  of  the  Episcopal, 
Presbyterian,  Methodist,  Lutheran  and  Catholie  denominations,  a graded  public  school,  an  opera 
house,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Newberry  is  surrounded  by  good  agricultural  lands  and  is  rapidly  developing,  being  settled  by  a 
prosperous  farming  community.  The  Upper  Peninsula  Hospital  for  the  insane  is  located  here. 

The  principal  transportation  facility  of  the  county  is  the  Duluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic  Railroad. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


I 10 


MA('KINA('  ('OlIN'I'Y. 

MarUiiiai'  t'ounty  was  laid  out  and  ory'aniz('d  in  l.SKS,  'I'lu'  couiiLy  was  (Irst  called  Micliiliuiackitiac, 
in  mcinorv  of  an  ancient  Indian  trihc  who  at  one  tinic  (U'cnpicd  this  territory.  Later,  the  iiaiia;  was 
ehan);i'd  to  that  whii-h  it  now  lusirs. 

'I'his  eonnty  is  located  in  about  the  sontheastern  i)art  of  the  Upper  I’eninsnla.  It  is  l)f)nnded  on 
the  north  by  Lnee  aiul  ('hippewa  counties,  on  the  east  by  ('hii)pewa  eonnty,  on  the  south  by  Lake 
Miehij^an,  Straits  of  Mackinac,  and  Lake  Huron,  and  on  the  west  by  Schoolcraft  county. 

d'he  total  land  area  is  ()50,'255.42  acres,  of  which  about  50, ()()()  acres  have  been  converted  into 
farms. 

'Phe  population  of  the  county  is  b,24‘)  (lb  10  census.) 

'Phe  valuation  of  taxable  land  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911,  is 
sSS.OOl.bCv 

'Phere  are  ()0  schools  which  were  attended  by  1989  pupils  last  year  requiring  the  services  of  77 
teachers. 

The  county  has  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail 
ser\'ice. 

St.  Ignace  has  about  2,500  inhabitants  and  is  the  largest  town  and  also  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county. 

It  is  located  on  the  Duluth  South  Shore  and  Atlantic  Railroad,  and  the  car  ferries  which  run  from 
St.  Ignace  to  Mackinac  City,  connect  with  the  Michigan  Central  and  The  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana 
Railroads. 

It  has  fine  broad  streets,  good  cement  walks,  electric  lights,  the  purest  of  water,  a bank  and  2 news- 
papers. 

St.  Ignace  has  won  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  finest  and  most  healthful  summer  resorts 
in  the  Upper  Peninsula,  and  the  thousands  of  people  who  visit  here  annually,  enjoy  her  natural  beauty. 
In  the  woodland  lakes  and  trout  streams,  hidden  in  the  nearby  forests  are  perch,  black  bass,  pike,  pickerel, 
Mackinac  trout  and  brook  trout. 

A large  amount  of  shipping  passes  through  her  waters  on  the  way  to  and  from  Chicago,  Buffalo, 
Detroit  and  Duluth. 

Mackinac  Island  is  picturesquely  located  on  the  south  shore  of  Mackinac  county,  in  the  Straits  of 
Mackinac,  18  miles  northwest  of  Cheboygan,  5|  from  St.  Ignace,  the  nearest  rail  approach,  and  9 from 
Mackinaw. 

The  island  is  famous  as  a siunmer  resort  and  is  a paradise  for  the  lover  of  outdoor  sports,  boating 
and  fishing. 

Among  its  historice  land  marks  is  Mackinac  Island  Park,  ceded  by  the  United  States  to  the  State 
of  Michigan  for  the  purpose  of  a State  park.  The  park  comprises  old  Fort  Mackinac  with  35  buildings, 
the  military  reser\’ation  of  104  acres  and  the  old  National  Park  of  911  acres.  Fort  Mackinac  is  the 
second  oldest  fortification  now  standing  in  the  United  States. 

The  religions  are  represented  by  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Catholic  and  Union  Alission  denomina- 
tions. There  is  also  a public  school. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Minneapolis  St.  Paul  & Sault  Ste.  Marie; 
Diiluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic;  Manistique  Railroads,  and  the  Amo’d  S.  S.  Line;  Northern  Michigan 
Trans.  Co.;  Goodrich  Trans.  Co.;  Erie  and  Michigan  Ry.  and  Nav.  Co.;  Canadian,  Atlantic  Trans. 
Co.;  Mutual  Trans.  Co.,  and  the  Detroit  & Cleveland  Nav.  Co. 


MACOMB  COUNTY. 

Alacomb  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1818  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Alex  Macomb, 
a General  in  the  United  States  Anny. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on  the 


150 


MICHIGAN 


north  by  Lapeer  and  St.  Clair  conn  tics,  on  the  east  by  St.  Clair  county,  Anchor  Bay  and  Lake  St.  Clair, 
on  the  south  by  Lake  St.  Clair  and  Wayne  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Oakland  county. 

d'hc  total  land  area  is  3()(),()3().2()  acres,  of  which  about  287,000  acres  are  in  splendid  farms. 

'I'hc  population  is  32,606  0910  census). 

'I'hc  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in_1911, 
is  $41,803,462. 

The  county  has  123  schools,  attended  by  5,808  students  last  year,  requiring  203  teachers. 

There  arc  17  banks,  1 daily  and  11  weekly  newspapers.  Excellent  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service  is  found  in  every  community  throughout  the  county. 

Mount  Clemens  is  the  judicial  seat  and  the  largest  city  in  the  county.  The  population  is  about 
9,000. 

The  city  is  located  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  36  miles  from  Port  Huron  and  21  from  Detroit, 
and  on  the  Detroit  United  Railway,  2\  miles  from  Lake  St.  Clair. 

It  has  city  water  works,  fire  department,  electric  lights,  a fine  high  school  and  5 ward  buildings, 
a fine  public  library,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  an  opera  house,  3 banks,  3 newspapers,  etc. 

This  city  is  known  as  the  “Carlsbad  of  America’’  and  is  visited  every  year  by  thousands  of  health 
seekers.  The  estimated  amount  now  invested  in  the  mineral  wells,  the  hotels,  boarding  houses  and 
bath  houses  devoted  to  the  treatment  of  visitors,  is  about  $35,000,000. 

Romeo,  a town  of  about  2,000  inhabitants,  is  located  on  the  Grand  Tntnk  Railroad,  and  on  the 
Detroit  United  Electric  Ry.,  20  miles  northwest  of  Mount  Clemens  and  40  from  Detroit  It  has  a 
municipally  owned  water  works,  and  electric  light  plant,  about  16  miles  of  side  walks,  churches  of  the 
Congregational,  Baptist,  Christian,  Lutheran  and  Methodist  denominations,  a central  school  building 
valued  at  $35,000  and  2 ward  schools,  a new  $10,000  public  library,  an  opera  house,  2 banks  and  a weekly 
newspaper.  The  town  is  surrounded  by  one  of  the  best  farming  districts  in  the  State. 

Richmond  has  a population  of  about  1,500.  It  is  located  on  the  Grand  Trunk,  and  Michigan 
Central  Railways,  about  16  miles  northeast  of  Moimt  Clemens,  and  38  miles  northeast  of  Detroit.  It 
is  supported  by  a rich  agricultural  section,  and  has  Congregational,  Methodist  Episcopal,  Baptist, 
German  Evangelical,  Lutheran  and  Catholic  churches,  2 schools,  good  hotels,  an  opera  house,  2 banks 
and  2 newspapers,  and  a number  of  prosperous  manufacturing  establishments.  The  shipments  com- 
prise grain,  butter,  eggs,  apples  and  live  stock. 

Other  thriving  towns  of  the  county  are  Annada,  Fraser,  New  Haven,  Utica,  and  Warren. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central, 
Pere  Marquette  Railroads,  and  the  Detroit  United  Railway  (electric). 

MANISTEE  COUNTY. 

Manistee  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  organized  in  1855.  The  name  is  taken  from  the 
river  which  flows  through  it  and  empties  into  Lake  Michigan  within  its  borders.  The  word  is  of  Indian 
origin  and  is  supposed  to  mean  “river  with  islands.’’ 

It  is  located  in  the  western  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  boimded  on  the  north  by  Benzie 
county,  on  the  east  by  W'exford  county,  on  the  south  by  Mason  and  Lake  counties,  and  on  the  west 
by  Lake  Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  350,101.39  acres.  Of  this  number  about  145,00  acres  are  in 
farms. 

The  population  is  26,688  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  land  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $18,195,005. 

The  county  has  76  schools,  an  enrollment  of  5,283  students,  requiring  the  services  of  181  teachers. 

There  are  7 banks,  2 daily  and  7 weekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  niral  mail  servdee  is  found  in  nearly  every  locality. 


M I (’  II  I ('.  A N 


I SI 

Mimisttr  is  tlu'  t'ouiily  si'al  and  llic  larj.',cst.  cily,  having;  alioni,  iiiliahil aiiL:;  fldlO 

ll  is  lu'aut il iilly  located  on  the  sliorc  of  hake  Micliij^an  at.  Ilic  inonlh  of  t,lic  ManisLcc  river,  17S  mile;; 
by  water  fnan  t'hi('a>;o.  It  is  a station  on  the  I’ei'e  Mar(|nett,e,  Manistee  cK'  Nortliea;.t,ern,  and  tlu; 
Manislei'  X-  (irand  Rapids  Railroads.  'I'he  city  is  situated  in  tlie  famous  Northern  Miefii^^an  l''rnit 
lU'lt  and  lias  a tributary  territory  of  j^nsit  prodiiel iveness.  It  has  well  jiaved  and  ;;haded  i.treets, 
a niodern  electric'  lij;htin^;  plant , a nuinieipally  owned  water  works,  a modernly  e(|nipi)C'd  lire  deiiartmerit, 
2 hospittils,  a pnblie  library,  an  opc'ra  house,  bc'anlifnl  parks,  first  class  hotels,  ^ banks,  2 daily  and  2 
wc'ckly  nc'wspapers,  also  a };;ood  school  systc'tn.  'I'here  are  ehnrchcs  of  the  ( longrej'ational,  baptist, 
ICpiseopal,  (ic'nnan  Lntlu'ran,  Methodist,  Unittirian  and  Ckatholic  denominations.  This  enty  is  well 
known  as  a summer  resort. 

'fhe  more  important  industrial  interest  include  saw,  shingle  and  planing  mills,  salt  blocks,  a mo- 
ernly  eciuip])ed  dry  dock  and  shipyard,  iron  works,  brewery,  tower  eloek  faetory,  cooperage  machinery 
works,  emery  wheel  works,  furniture  factories,  saw  and  tool  works,  shoe  factory,  lumber  and  mill  carts, 
carriages,  wagons  and  sleighs.  Hour  mills,  briek  and  tile  works,  novelty  works,  broom  factory,  boiler 
and  engine  wewks,  cigar  factories,  glove,  candy  and  shirt  factories,  etc. 

Other  towns  of  the  eounty  are  Rear  Lake,  Copemish,  and  Onekama. 

Ti'ansportation  facilities  of  the  county  arc  the  Manistee  & Northeastern,  Arcadia  & Betsey  River, 
Pere  Maniuette,  Ann  Arbor,  Manistee  c^'  Luther,  and  the  Manistee  and  Grand  Rapids  Railroads,  the 
Northern  Michigan  Trans.  Co.,  and  the  Pere  Marquette  line  of  steamers. 

MARQUETTE  COUNTY. 

Marquette  county  was  laid  out  in  1843  and  was  organized  in  1851  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Father 
Jaques  Marquette,  who  established  several  missions  among  the  Indians. 

It  is  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake  Superior, 
east  by  Alger  and  Delta  counties.  South  by  Dickinson,  Menominee  and  Delta  counties,  and  west  by 
Iron  and  Baraga  counties. 

The  total  land  area  is  1,182,851.15  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  68,000  acres  are  in  farms. 

The  total  population  is  46,739  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $74,089,264  on  aU  taxable 
lands. 

The  countj"  has  92  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  342  teachers,  and  a total  enrollment  of  10,253 
students. 

There  are  10  banks,  2 daily  and  6 weekly  newspapers.  There  is  also  good  telegraph,  telephone 
and  rural  mail  service. 

Marqtiette  is  the  county  seat  and  has  about  12,000  inhabitants.  It  is  pictrrresquely  located  on 
the  south  shore  of  Lake  Superior  on  an  inlet  known  as  Marquette  Bay,  170  miles  west  of  Sault  Ste. 
Marie.  It  is  the  metropolis  of  the  mining  interests  of  the  Lake  Superior  iron  region.  The  first  iron 
dock  was  built  in  1845. 

This  cit}^  is  the  general  headquarters  of  the  Duluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic  Railroad,  also  the  home 
office  of  the  Lake  Superior  and  Ishpeming  Ry.  It  has  wide  and  well  laid  out  streets,  a complete  sewerage 
system,  thoroughly  equipped  fire  department,  good  water  works,  police  department,  mtmicipal  light 
and  power  plant,  a public  library,  a normal  school  library,  an  opera  house,  a $250,000  court  house,  first 
class  hotels,  3 hospitals,  a $50,000  city  hall.  This  is  also  the  location  of  the  Upper  Peninsula  State 
Prison  and  House  of  Correction.  The  school  property  includes  10  buildings,  the  high  school,  which 
includes  the  Manual  Training  School,  costing  about  $100,000.  There  are  churches  of  the  leading  denomi- 
nations, also  3 banks,  1 weekly  and  2 daily  newspapers. 

The  manufacturing  interests  comprise  iron  works,  foundry  and  machine  shops,  saw  and  planing 
mills,  brewery,  powder  plant,  charcoal  works,  carriage  and  wagon  works,  boiler  and  sheet  iron  works, 
gas  light  plant,  etc.  There  is  also  a large  stone  quarry  udthin  the  citj^  limits. 


152 


MICHIGAN 


the  largest  city  in  the  county  has  a population  of  about  12,448  (1910  census).  It  is 
located  on  the  Duluth  South  Shcjre  & Atlantic,  Chicago  & Northwestern,  and  the  Lake  Superior  & 
Ish])cnung  Railroads,  15  miles  southwest  of  Marquette,  and  3 west  of  Negaunee. 

1 L is  the  largest  city  and  one  of  the  most  important  mining  centers  in  the  Lake  Superior  iron  distriet, 
having  located  within  its  corporate  limits  8 iron  mines;  there  is  also  a smelting  furnace,  a boiler  shop, 
carriage  and  wagon  factories,  etc.  There  are  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  good  public  and 
I)arochial  schools,  an  opera  house,  a public  library.  The  city  is  lighted  by  gas  and  electricity,  has  a good 
water  works  system,  cfllcient  fire  department,  2 banks,  4 weekly  newspapers,  etc. 

Negaunee  has  a population  of  about  8,460  (U.  S.  census  1910).  It  is  located  on  the  Duluth  South 
vShore  & Atlantic,  Chicago  & Northwestern,  and  the  Lake  Superior  & Ishpeming  railways,  in  the  heart 
of  the  iron  district,  12  miles  southwest  of  Marquette  and  3 from  Ishpeming. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  a well  equipped  fire  department.  Episcopal, 
Methodist,  Presbyterian,  Catholic,  Swedish  and  Finnish  Lutheran  churches,  6 school  buildings,  an 
opera  house,  a library,  3 banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Chicago  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul,  Es- 
canaba  & Lake  Superior,  Chicago  & Northwestern,  Munising  Marquette  & Southeastern,  Lake  Superior 
& Ishpeming,  and  the  Duluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic  railroads,  and  the  Erie  & Western  Trans.  Co., 
and  the  Northern  S.  S.  Co. 


MASON  COUNTY. 

This  county  was  originally  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  named  Notipekago,  the  Indian  name  of  Pere 
Marquette  river.  Later,  in  1843  the  name  was  changed  and  the  present  name  given  in  honor  of  Stevens 
T.  Mason,  the  first  Governor  of  the  State.  The  county  was  organized  in  1855. 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Manistee  county,  on  the  east  by  Lake  county,  on  the  south  by  Oceana  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Lake 
Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  is  315,526.87  acres,  of  which  about  172,000  acres  are  in  fine  fanns. 

The  population  is  21,832  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  land  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $13,791,430. 

The  county  has  a school  system  equal  to  those  of  the  larger  counties,  there  being  78  schools,  attended 
by  4,834  students,  requiring  the  services  of  153  teachers. 

There  are  8 banks,  1 daily  and  5 weekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service  is  found  in  nearly  all  localities. 

Ludington  is  the  judicial  seat,  also  the  largest  city  in  the  county,  having  about  9,132  inhabitants. 
It  is  situated  about  half  way  up  the  east  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pere  Marquette 
river,  98  miles  from  Milwaukee  and  156  from  Chicago.  It  is  the  western  tenninus  of  the  Pere  Mar- 
quette Railroad,  and  is  in  the  heart  of  the  Michigan  fruit  belt. 

The  city  has  paved  streets,  good  sewerage  system,  excellent  schools,  a fine  public  library,  an  efficient 
fire  department,  electric  light  and  power  plant,  an  opera  house,  first  class  hotels,  domestic  gas  for  fuel 
and  light,  a municipally  owned  water  works  system,  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Episcopal,  Danish 
Episcopal,  German  Lutheran,  Methodist,  Baptist,  Norwegian  Baptist,  Presbyterian,  Swedish  Lutheran 
and  Catholic  denominations,  2 banlcs,  3 newspapers,  etc. 

Among  the  more  prominent  industrial  establishments  are  saw  and  shingle  mills,  several  big  salt 
factories,  including  one  of  the  largest  salt  producing  plants  in  the  world,  one  of  the  largest  manufactories 
of  game  boards  in  the  world,  watch  case  factory,  foundry,  machine  shops,  boiler  works,  planing  and 
feed  mill,  a cannery,  boat  and  engine  works,  cigar  factories,  mamfiactories  of  wood  type  and  printers’ 
specialities,  vehicle  specialties,  woodenware,  enameled  wood  goods,  baskets,  sash,  doors  and  blinds, 
snuff,  wooden  bowls,  a grain  elevator,  etc. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


\S.\ 


Ludiiij^toii  is  I’tn’  its  smnmci'  rcsmi  I'licilit ics. 

OtluT  towns  of  tlu'  county  nrc  Scot t xillc,  Ijx)])  l.lOO),  .'ind  ('nstcr,  fpo]).  .V2.S). 

Scottvillc  is  locntcd  on  tlu-  I'cn-  M;n(|ncttc  Knilrond  ;ind  on  the  I’crc  M.'ir(|nct.t c river,  9 tnilc. 
i-ast  of  Lndinyton,  and  10  west  of  Keed  ('ity.  It  is  sn|)|)ortcd  liy  a ricli  fanninj^  district,  and  fia-; 
churches  of  scvi-ral  ill-nominations,  a yraded  iinhlic  school,  water  works,  an  opi-ra  Itonse,  (lour  mill, 
j;rain  clc\'alor,  luitlcr  factory,  2 hanks  and  a weekly  newsi)aper.  Quantitii-s  of  j^rain,  laitti-r,  fruit. 
Hour,  potatoes  and  prodnee  arc  sliippcd. 

Tin-  transportation  facilities  of  tlu-  county  include  the  Manistee  & ('irand  Rapiils,  Ludinf'ton  & 
Northern,  and  the  Tere  Mariiuette  Railroads,  the  here  Maniuctte  S.  S.  Line,  the  Northern  Michigan 
Trans.  C'o. 

MI-:C()STA  COUNTY. 

Mecosta  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  organized  in  1859.  The  name  is  that  of  a once  famous 
Potlawalotnie  chief  and  is  thought  to  mean  “bear  cub.” 

'rihs  eoindv  is  located  in  about  the  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Osceola  county,  on  the  cast  by  Isabella  county,  on  the  south  by  Montcalm  county,  and  on  the 
west  by  Newaygo  county. 

The  total  laiul  area  comprises  562,778.58  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  286,000  acres  arc  devoted 
to  good  fanns. 

The  poiKilation  is  19,466  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $10,936,441  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

There  are  113  schools,  which  were  attended  by  4,383  pupils  last  year,  requiring  the  services  of  162 
teachers. 

The  county  has  6 banks,  2 daily  and  5 weekly  newspapers. 

Telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service  is  found  throughout  the  county. 

Big  Rapids,  the  judicial  seat  and  largest  city  of  the  county  has  a population  of  about  5,000.  It  is 
located  on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroads,  56  miles  north  of  Grand 
Rapids. 

The  city  is  named  after  the  big  rapids  of  the  Muskegon  river,  which  flows  through  it  and  furnishes 
unexcelled  water  power.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a good  water  works  system,  fire  and  police 
departments,  excellent  sewerage  system,  a public  library,  an  opera  house,  a court  house  costing  about 
$30,000,  good  hotels,  paved  streets,  2 banks  and  3 newspapers.  The  religious  and  educational 
advantages  include  Congregational,  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Baptist,  Presbyterian,  Catholic,  Norwegian 
Lutheran,  German  Lutheran  and  Swedish  Lutheran  churches,  a central  high  and  3 ward  schools,  and 
the  Ferris  institute  which  is  knowm  throughout  the  country. 

Among  the  city’s  prominent  industries  are  planing  and  saw  mills,  maple  floor  factories,  gas  light 
and  fuel  plant,  electric  light  and  power  plant,  machine  shop,  and  manufactories  of  furniture,  cigars, 
brooms,  flour,  spring  seats,  hot  blast  grates,  saw  filing  machiner\^  carriages,  veneer,  brick,  etc. 

Other  thriving  communities  of  the  county  are  Barryton,  Mecosta,  Morley,  and  Stanwood. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the 
Pere  Marquette  Railroads 

MENOMINEE  COUNTY. 

Menominee  county  was  laid  out  by  the  Legislature  in  1861  as  Bleeker  county,  but  the  following 
session,  in  1863,  it  was  organized  and  the  name  changed  to  that  which  it  now  bears.  The  word  Menom- 
inee is  derived  from  the  Chippewas  and  means  “good  grain.’’ 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  south  central  part  of  the  Upper  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Dickinson,  Marquette  and  Delta  counties,  on  the  east  by  Delta  county  and  Green  Bay,  on  the  south 
by  Green  Bay  and  Wisconsin,  and  on  the  west  by  Wisconsin  and  Dickinson  counties. 


154 


MICHIGAN 


The  total  land  area  is  670,297.43  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  168,000  acres  are  devoted  to  fine 
productive  fanns. 

The  population  is  25,648  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $19,673,938. 

There  are  101  schools,  attended  by  6,445  students,  requiring  195  teachers. 

The  county  has  6 banks,  1 daily  and  2 weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  servdcc. 

Menominee,  the  county  seat  and  largest  city,  has  about  12,000  inhabitants.  It  is  prettily  located 
at  the  mouth  of  Menominee  river,  on  the  shore  of  Green  Bay,  on  the  Chicago  Northwestern,  Chicago 
Milwaukee  & St.  Paul,  and  the  Wisconsin  & Michigan  Railroads,  264  miles  from  Chicago  and  137  from 
Marquette. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has  good  water  works  system,  paved  streets,  splendid 
sewerage  system,  a well  equipped  fire  department,  a public  library,  first  class  hotels,  a postoffice  com- 
pleted at  a cost  of  about  $50,000,  an  opera  house,  3 banks,  1 newspaper,  etc. 

The  manufacturing  industries  include  an  immense  beet  sugar  plant,  one  of  the  largest  manufactories 
of  children’s  vehicles  in  the  U.  S.,  the  second  largest  saw  mill  machinery  manufactory  and  steel 
casting  plant  in  the  country,  an  electric  manufacturing  plant,  one  of  the  largest  and  best  equipped 
canning  plants  in  the  world,  also  several  smaller  industries. 

There  are  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Presbyterian,  Baptist,  German  Methodist,  Lutheran, 
Norwegian  Lutheran,  Catholic,  Seventh  Day  Adventist,  Swedish  Lutheran  and  Swedish  Methodist 
denominations.  There  are  nine  public  schools,  a high  school  building  costing  $65,000.  The  Menominee 
County  School  of  Agriculture  and  Domestic  Science  is  located  here.  The  surrounding  coimtry  is  a 
productive  agricultural  section. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  are  Daggett,  and  Stephenson. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Chicago  & Northwestern,  Wisconsin 
& Michigan,  Miimeapolis  St.  Paul  & Sault  Ste.  Marie,  and  the  Chicago  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  Railroads. 

MIDLAND  COUNTY. 

Midland  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1850.  The  name  is  descriptive  of  the 
geographical  location  of  this  county  as  it  is  very  nearly  in  the  center  of  the  Lower  Peninsula. 

It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Gladwin  cotuity  on  the  east  by  Bay  and  Saginaw  counties,  on  the 
south  by  Gratiot  and  Saginaw  counties,  and  on  the  west  by  Isabella  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  336,476.23  acres,  of  which  about  177,000  acres  are  in  farms  wffiich  are  very 
productive. 

The  population  is  14,005  (U.  S.  census  1910). 

The  valuation  of  all  taxable  lands  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $9,239,473. 

There  are  87  schools,  supplying  positions  for  125  teachers,  and  3,812  children  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  4 banks  and  3 weekly  newspapers. 

Telegraph,  telephone  and  mral  mail  ser\dce  is  found  in  nearly  every  locality. 

Midland,  the  county  seat  and  largest  town  of  the  county,  has  about  3,000  inhabitants.  It  is  located 
at  the  confluence  of  the  Tittabawassee  and  Chippewa  rivers,  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette  and  Michigan 
Central  Railroads,  about  20  miles  northwest  of  Saginaw  and  18  west  of  Bay  City.  It  is  well  laid  out 
with  broad  and  well  shaded  streets,  has  churches  of  the  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  Methodist,  Baptist, 
German  Lutheran  and  Catholic  denominations;  6 good  schools,  a free  library,  an  opera  house,  has  good 
sewerage  and  water  works,  good  hotels,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

The  manufacturing  industries  consist  of  flour,  lumber,  shingle,  lath,  cider  and  heading  mills,  pickle 
depots,  brick  and  tile  works,  cigar  factories,  electric  lighting  plant,  chemical  works,  a bleaching  powder 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


IS.S 


faolory,  I'ouiulry,  luacliiiu'  sliops,  cU’.  'I'lu'  siirrouiKlin^^  cotiiilry  produces  cxccIlctiL  cro[)S  of  wheat, 
oats,  liay,  hisiiis,  sup.ar  liei'l.s,  eUs 

(.'oleiuaii  lias  a population  of  about  1 , 100.  I L is  located  on  the  I ’ere  Mar(|uette  Ky.,  20  mih^s  nortfi- 
west  of  Midland,  and  It)  from  Saginaw. 

lias  ICpiseopal,  Presbyterian,  Mi'thodist,  batter  I )ay  Saints,  and  ('atholie  ehnrehes,  yu(i<\  eilnea- 
tional  advanta^^es,  an  electric  lij;htinf^  plant,  a bank  and  a weekly  newsiiaper. 

'I'lic  county’s  transiiortation  facilities  include  the  Miehij^an  ('entral,  .and  Perc  Maninette  Railroads. 


MlSSAUIvlCh:  COUNTY. 

Missaukee  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  organized  in  1871.  It  was  named  for  a famous 
Ottawa  (diief  and  the  name  is  thought  to  mean  “at  large  mouth  of  river.” 

'I'he  cx)unty  is  located  in  about  the  north  central  [lart  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the 
north  by  Kalkaska  county,  on  the  cast  by  Roscommon  county,  on  the  south  by  Osceola  and  Clare  counties, 
and  on  the  west  by  Wexford  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  868,289.57  acres,  of  which  about  148,000  acres  are  now  devoted  to  farms. 

The  jiopulation  is  10,606  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $5,575,61 1. 

There  are  68  schools,  which  were  attended  by  2,707  students  last  year,  requiring  102  teachers. 

The  county  has  4 banks  and  8 weekly  newspapers.  Also  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service. 

Lake  City  is  the  largest  town,  also  the  county  seat,  and  has  a population  of  about  800.  It  is  situ- 
ated on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana  Ry.,  16  miles  from  Cadillac  and  118  from  Grand  Rapids.  It  is 
the  receiving  and  distributing  point  for  a tributary  section  having  good  agricultural  possibilities.  Has 
electric  light  and  water  works  plant,  churches  of  the  Methodist,  Episcopal,  Free  Methodist,  Presbyterian 
and  Catholic  denominations,  a good  school  system,  an  opera  house,  flour  and  saw  mills,  2 banks  and 
2 weekly  newspapers. 

McBain  has  a population  of  about  750.  It  is  located  on  the  Ann  Arbor  Ry.,  10  miles  south  of 
Lake  City. 

It  has  Methodist  and  Presbyterian  churches,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Ann  Arbor,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,, 
and  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroads. 


MONROE  COUNTY. 

Monroe  county  was  laid  out  in  1817  and  was  organized  in  1822,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  President 
Monroe. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  southeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bormded 
on  the  north  by  Washtenaw  and  Wame  counties,  on  the  east  by  Lake  Erie,  on  the  south  by  Ohio  and 
on  the  west  by  Lenawee  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  855,292.52  acres,  about  888,000  acres  of  which  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  82,917  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $88,968,252. 

There  are  145  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  199  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  6,287  students. 

The  county  has  18  banks  and  10  weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail 
service. 

Monroe,  the  second  oldest  city  in  the  State  and  the  judicial  seat  of  Monroe  county  has  a popula- 
tion of  about  7,500.  It  is  situated  on  the  River  Raisin,  about  8 miles  above  its  mouth  on  Lake  Erie, 


156 


MICHIGAN 


and  is  a station  on  the  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  vSouthern,  Michigan  Central,  and  Pere  Marquette  Rail- 
roads, 35  miles  southwest  of  Detroit  and  25  from  Toledo,  Ohio. 

The  Detroit  United  Railway  (electric)  connects  Detroit,  Toledo  and  Monroe. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  good  water  works  system,  a well  equipped  fire  department, 
good  .sewerage  system,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  a fine  high  school  building  and  several 
ward  schools.  There  is  also  a Catholic  orphan  asylum  for  girls,  a convent,  the  St.  Mary’s  Academy, 
and  St.  Mary’s  College,  a handsome  public  library,  a court  house  costing  about  $40,000,  3 newspapers, 
etc. 

The  manufactures  include  flour,  lumber,  sash,  doors  and  blinds,  furniture  frames,  glass,  paper 
boxes,  cordage,  beer,  wine,  pumps,  cigars,  butter,  cheese,  agricultural  implements,  paper,  carriages, 
wagons,  etc.  Within  the  past  few  years  the  beef  industry  has  developed  wonderfully,  the  people  of  the 
county  giving  special  attention  to  rearing  fine  beef  cattle,  also  the  well  known  Percheron  horses. 

The  land  in  the  neighborhood  is  fertile,  and  grain,  grass,  fruit,  grapes  and  berries  are  grown  in  large 
ejuantities.  Monroe  is  also  noted  for  its  extensive  nurseries. 

Dundee  has  a population  of  about  1,100,  and  is  located  on  the  River  Raisin,  and  on  the  Ann  Arbor, 
Detroit  Toledo  & fronton,  and  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railways,  15  miles  west  of 
Monroe,  22  northwest  of  Toledo,  O.,  and  48  southwest  of  Detroit. 

The  town  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  Congregational,  Baptist,  German  Lutheran  and  Methodist 
churches,  good  educational  advantages,  2 banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Other  towns  are  Maybee,  and  Petersburg. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  coimty  are  the  Detroit  & Toledo  Shore  Line,  Michigan 
Central,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern,  Pere  Marquette,  Detroit  Toledo  & Ironton,  Ann  Arbor, 
Wabash,  and  the  Toledo  Ann  Arbor  & Jackson  Railways. 

MONTCALM  COUNTY. 

Montcalm  county  was  laid  out  in  1831  and  was  organized  in  1850,  and  was  named  in  honor  of  Mar- 
quis De  Montcalm. 

It  is  located  in  about  the  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Mecosta  and  Isabella  counties,  on  the  east  by  Gratiot  County,  on  the  south  by  Ionia  and  Kent 
cormties,  and  on  the  west  by  Newaygo  and  Kent  counties. 

The  total  land  area  is  454,460.77  acres,  about  393,000  acres  of  which  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  32,069  (U.  S.  census  1910). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $20,829,816. 

There  are  143  schools,  with  an  enrollment  of  6,879  students,  requiring  the  services  of  239  teachers. 

The  county  has  18  banks,  1 daily  and  11  weekly  newspapers,  also  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service. 

Stanton,  the  county  seat,  has  a population  of  about  1,200.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere  Marquette 
R.  R.,  24  miles  north  of  Ionia,  and  61  northwest  of  Lansing. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Methodist,  Free  Meth- 
odist, Baptist  and  Catholic  denominations,  a union  school  building,  2 opera  houses,  a new  court  house 
costing  about  $80,000,  a bank  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  The  soil  in  the  vicinity  is  especially  adapted 
for  farming. 

Greenville  with  its  4,200  inhabitants,  is  the  largest  city  in  the  county. 

It  is  located  on  the  Flat  River,  and  on  the  Grand  Trunk  and  Pere  Marquette  Railroads,  15  miles 
southeast  of  Stanton,  and  41  northeast  of  Grand  Rapids. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has  water  works,  fixe  department.  Episcopal,  Congregational, 
Adventist,  Baptist,  Catholic,  Danish  Lutheran,  and  Methodist  churches,  excellent  schools,  a ladies’ 
library,  2 public  halls,  good  hotels,  3 banks,  a daily  and  weekly  newspaper. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


l,S7 


'I'Ik'  inaiiufart uriii^;  iiili'rcsls  iiu-hulc  .1  (lotir  mills,  2 of  (lie  lar>;csl.  rcfri^'oraloc  f.'icloric",  in  America, 
siiU'hoonl  factory,  ayricullural  implcmeiil  factories,  lilasL  ftirnacc,  praiii  and  i)ol,al,o  |)lanl,er  faclories, 
plaiiinp  and  saw  milts,  cider  mill,  sasli  and  door  factories,  2 elect, ric  lijdd,  .and  power  plant.:;,  ,a  f)Ot,at,f» 
starch  factory,  cti'. 

('irccnvillc  is  known  as  oiu'  of  tlu'  most  imi)()rtant  i)otriLo  markets  in  the  .State. 

(Mhcr  important  towns  itu'lndc  Howard  ('ity  (pop.  1,100),  ('.arson  ('ity  (pop.  1,000),  I'almore  (]>(>]>. 
.''()()),  Lakeview  ti>op.  1,000),  McBrides  and  Slu-ridan,  .all  snrronnded  by  j^ood  f.arminf^  country. 

'I'lu'  transportation  facilities  of  tlu'  comity  are  tlu'  (Irand  Rapids  & Indiana,  Bore  Marfinettc  and 
('irand  'I'rnnk  Railroads. 


MONTMORICNCY  COUNTY. 

In  1.S40,  this  county  w.as  laid  out  and  was  then  named  Checonociuet,  for  a Chijipewa  chief,  d’hc 
muue  is  supposed  to  mean  “Big  Cloud.’’  In  1843  the  county  was  organized  and  the  present  name 
given  it.  It  is  uncertain  what  the  name  Montmorency  commemorates. 

4'his  county  is  located  in  the  northern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Cheboygan  and  Presque  Isle  counties,  on  the  east  by  Alpena  county,  on  the  south  by  Oscoda  county, 
and  on  the  west  by  Otsego  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  355,528.77  acres,  and  about  56,()()()  acres  are  already  devoted  to  farms. 

The  population  is  3,755  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $2,022,828  on  all  taxable 
land. 

The  county  has  32  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  37  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  743  students. 

There  are  3 banks  and  3 weekly  newspapers. 

Telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service  is  also  to  be  found. 

Atlanta  is  the  county  seat  and  has  about  200  inhabitants.  It  is  located  14  miles  from  Lewiston 
which  is  on  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad,  and  is  the  shipping  point,  and  39  west  of  Alpena.  Has  a 
Congregational  church,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Hillman  has  a population  of  about  500,  and  is  located  on  Thunder  Bay  river,  and  on  the  Detroit 
& Mackinac  Railroad,  16  miles  northeast  of  Atlanta,  and  24  from  Alpena.  Has  Episcopal,  Presbyterian, 
Alethodist  Episcopal  and  Catholic  Churches,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central,  Detroit  & Mackinac, 
and  the  Bojme  City  Gaylord  & Alpena  Railroads. 

MUSKEGON  COUNTY. 

Muskegon  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1859.  It  took  its  name  from  the  river  running 
through  it  and  emptying  into  Lake  Michigan.  The  word  is  taken  from  the  Pottowattomie  language 
and  is  thought  to  mean  “Marshy  River.’ 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Oceana  and  Newaygo  coimties,  on  the  east  by  Newaygo  and  Kent  eounties,  on  the  south  by  Ottawa 
county  and  on  the  west  by  Lake  Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  is  322,434.68  acres,  of  which  about  185,000  acres  are  in  fine  farms. 

The  population  is  40,577  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  land  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $29,183,320. 

There  are  116  schools,  attended  by  8,437  students,  requiring  the  ser\fices  of  311  teachers. 

The  county  has  10  banks,  2 daily  and  4 weekly  newspapers,  also  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service. 

Muskegon  is  the  judicial  seat,  also  the  largest  city  in  the  county,  having  over  30,000  inhabitants. 
It  is  located  on  the  east  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana 


158 


MICHIGAN 


and  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroads,  and  the  Grand  Rapids  Grand  Haven  & Muskegon  Ry.  (electric). 
It  is  one  of  the  best  harl)ors  on  the  cast  shore  of  Lake  Michigan  and  is  located  directly  across  the  lake 
from  Milwaukee,  being  84  miles  distant  from  that  city  and  113  from  Chicago,  to  which  cities,  boat  ser- 
vice is  maintained  all  the  year  round.  At  this  point  the  Muskegon  river  broadens  out  into  a beautiful 
lake  6 miles  long  and  from  1 to  3 miles  wide,  which  empties  into  Lake  Michigan  through  a channel  300 
feet  wide  and  of  sufficient  depth  to  admit  into  the  harbor  the  largest  and  heaviest  vessels  that  ply  the 
lakes. 

The  city  has  an  area  of  6 square  miles,  35  miles  of  pavement  40  miles  of  public  sewers,  5 public 
parks,  covering  85  acres,  a thoroughly  equipped  fire  department,  municipally  owned  water  works,  21 
public  school  buildings,  one  of  the  best  equipped  free  manual  training  schools  in  the  United  States, 
many  churches  of  different  denominations,  first  class  hotels,  theatres,  a beautiful  public  library  costing 
$230,000,  2 hospitals,  4 banks,  2 daily  and  1 weekly  newspaper,  etc. 

The  city  is  in  the  great  Michigan  fruit  belt  and  in  the  vicinity  are  some  of  the  finest  and  most  pro- 
ductive sections  devoted  to  raising  the  small  fruits,  grapes,  peaches,  plums  and  apples.  The  rich  lands 
of  the  Muskegon  river  bottom  are  especially  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  celery,  which  promises  to 
become  a most  important  industry. 

Among  the  more  prominent  industries  are  iron  foundries  and  machine  shops,  a refrigerator  works, 
billiard  and  pool  table  factory  and  a curtain  roller  factory  which  are  among  the  largest  in  the  world, 
automobile  works,  marine  motor  works,  paper  mill,  furniture  factories,  brewery,  electric  cranes,  etc. 

The  city  of  Muskegon  Heights  which  adjoins  the  city  limits,  has  a population  of  about  3,000. 

Whitehall  has  a population  of  about  1,800.  It  is  located  at  the  head  of  White  Lake  and  on  the 
Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  16  miles  north  of  Muskegon,  and  5 inland  from  Lake  Michigan,  and  Montague, 
with  about  1,200  inhabitants,  located  at  the  head  of  White  Lake,  opposite  Whitehall,  on  the  Pere  Mar- 
quette Railroad,  19  miles  from  Muskegon  and  about  6 from  Lake  Michigan,  are  other  thriving  towns 
of  Muskegon  County. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Grand  Trunk,  Grand 
Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the  Grand  Rapids  Grand  Haven  & Muskegon  Railroads,  and  the  Goodrich 
Crosby  Trans.  Go’s  Boat  Lines. 


NEWAYGO  COUNTY. 

Newaygo  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  organized  in  1851,  the  name  being  that  of  a famous 
Chippewa  Chief. 

It  is  located  in  the  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake 
county,  on  the  east  by  Mecosta  and  Montcalm  counties,  on  the  sotith  by  Muskegon  and  Kent  counties, 
and  on  the  west  by  Oceana  and  Muskegon  counties. 

The  total  land  area  is  542,741.03  acres.  Of  this  nvunber  about  326,000  acres  are  devoted  to  farms 
which  are  very  productive. 

The  population  is  19,220  (federal  census  1910). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  land  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911,  is 
$13,884,995. 

There  are  127  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  185  teachers,  and  an  enrollment  of  4,706  students. 

The  county  has  7 banks,  5 weekly  newspapers,  also  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service. 

White  Cloud,  which  is  the  county  seat,  has  a population  of  about  700.  It  is  located  on  the  White 
river,  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  35  miles  northeast  of  Muskegon  and  45  north  of  Grand 
Rapids.  It  owns  and  operates  its  own  electric  light  and  water  works  plant,  has  a fire  department,  public 
haU,  excellent  schools,  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Methodist,  Swedish  Evangelical  and  Catholic 
denominations,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

Fremont,  the  largest  town  of  the  county  has  about  2,000  inhabitants.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere 
Marquette  Railroad  12  miles  northeast  of  Newaygo,  24  northeast  of  Muskegon,  and  58  north  of  Grand 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


1.S9 


Rapids,  I las  C 'oii^^ri'p.at  ioiial,  Mi-t  hodist,  United  Mrethren,  Holland,  I )i:;eiplcs,  .'irid  C'atliolie  clinrehes, 
l)nlilie  liall,  water  works,  };ood  schools,  Hour  mills,  s;ivv  mill,  t.'umery,  eatminj,'  factory,  [jickle  hictory, 
eleiirie  lip.htin^  plant,  2 hanks,  ;i  weekly  nt'wspaper,  c‘tc. 

Other  hnvns  of  the  eonnty  iiu'lndi'  ('irant,  (|)op.  500),  ;ind  Ncwayy^o,  (i)op.  1,500). 

I’rineipal  transportation  facility  of  the  comity  is  the  I’ere  Manincttc  Railroad. 


OAKLAND  COUNTY. 

Oakland  county  was  Laid  out  in  ISIO  ;vnd  orj^anizcd  in  1820.  The  county  was  so  named  because 
of  the  numerous  oak  openings.  Bela  Iluhl),ard  in  his  “Memorials  of  a ILalf  C'entury”  speaks  of  the 
character  of  the  “oiienings"  as  that  of  “a  majestic  orchard  of  o,aks  and  hickories  varied  by  small  prairies, 
grassy  loams  and  clear  lakes.” 

It  is  located  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Gene- 
see and  Lapeer  counties,  on  the  east  by  Macomb  county,  on  the  south  by  Washtenaw  and  Wayne 
counties,  ami  on  the  west  by  Livingston  and  Genesee  counties. 

The  total  land  area  is  575,400.15  acres,  of  which  about  543,000  acres  are  in  farms  which  are  among 
the  finest  in  the  State. 

The  pojnilation  is  49,576  (LT.  S.  census  1910). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $55,543,810. 

The  county  has  a splendid  school  system.  There  are  213  schools,  an  enrollment  of  9,407  students 
students  last  year,  requiring  379  teachers. 

There  are  22  banks,  1 daily  and  1 monthly  and  eleven  weekly  newspapers.  Good  telegraph,  tele- 
phone and  rural  mail  service  is  found  in  every  locality. 

Pontiac,  the  largest  city,  also  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  has  about  16,000  inhabitants.  It  is 
located  on  the  Clinton  river,  on  the  Detroit  United  Railway  (electric),  the  Grand  Trunk,  and  the  Pontiac 
Oxford  cY  Northern  Railroads,  26  miles  northwest  of  Detroit  and  57  miles  southwest  of  Port  Huron. 

The  city  is  beautifully  located  in  the  heart  of  Michigan’s  inland  lake  district,  has  broad  and  well 
shaded  streets,  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  w^ater  works,  an  efficient  fire  department,  sewerage  system, 
churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  8 graded  schools  and  a $70,000  high  school  building,  a public 
library,  theatres,  first  class  hotels,  a public  hospital,  a court  house  costing  $120,000,  a handsome  city 
hall,  4 banks,  a daily  and  weekly  newspaper,  and  is  the  location  of  the  Pontiac  State  Hospital. 

The  larger  manufacturing  industries  included  a wire  fence  factory,  spring  factory,  planing  mills, 
bending  works,  and  manufactories  of  auto  tops,  autos,  motor  trucks,  knit  goods,  paint,  leather  goods, 
bean  pickers  and  seeders,  woodwork  wheels,  oak  flooring,  vinegar,  flour,  tools,  machinerjq  etc. 

Rochester  has  a population  of  about  2,000.  It  is  located  at  the  confluence  of  the  Clinton  river 
and  Paint  creek,  on  the  Michigan  Air  Line  division  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  the  Bay  City  division 
Michigan  Central  Railroad,  and  on  the  Flint  division  of  the  Detroit  United  Railway  (electric),  9 miles 
northeast  of  Pontiac,  and  27  from  Detroit. 

It  has  Congregational,  Methodist,  Baptist  and  Universalist  churches,  a graded  public  school,  a 
ladies’  library,  an  opera  house,  good  hotels,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

The  industries  include  paper  and  saw  mills,  tile  roofing  factory,  handle  factory,  woolen  mills,  foundry", 
electric  light  works,  etc. 

Other  enterprising  towns  of  the  cotmty  include  Birmingham,  Clarkston,  Farmington,  Holly,  Leonard, 
Milford,  Orion,  Ortonville,  Oxford,  Royal  Oak,  and  South  Lyon. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Alichigan  Central,  Grand  Trunk,  Pere 
Marquette,  and  the  Pontiac  Oxford  & Northern  Railroads,  and  the  Detroit  United  Ry.  (electric.) 


160 


MICHIGAN 


OCEANA  COUNTY. 

Oceana  county  was  laid  out  in  1831,  and  was  organized  in  1855.  It  is  so  named  because  of  its 
bodering  upon  the  large  fresh  water  sea  or  ocean. 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  west  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  The  boundaries  are  Mason 
county  on  the  north,  Newaygo  county  on  the  east,  Muskegon  county  on  the  south,  and  Lake  Michigan 
on  the  west. 

The  total  land  area  is  345,416.25  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  244,000  acres  are  devoted  to  fine 
fanns. 

The  population  is  18,379  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $11,853,671  on  all  taxable 
land. 

There  are  95  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  156  teachers,  and  a total  of  4,314  pupils  in  attendance. 

The  county  has  8 banks,  7 weekly  newspapers,  also  splendid  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail 
service. 

Hart,  the  judicial  seat  and  largest  town  in  the  county  has  a population  of  about  1,600.  It  is  located 
on  the  Perc  Marcpiette  Railroad,  and  on  the  south  branch  of  the  Pentwater  river,  8 miles  south  of  Pent- 
water,  and  42  north  of  Muskegon. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  water  works,  fire  department,  a high  school  building  erected  at  a 
cost  of  about  $50,000,  churches  of  several  denominations,  2 banks  and  3 weekly  newspapers. 

The  industries  include  saw,  flour,  planing  and  shingle  mills,  canning  factories,  etc.  The  shipments 
comprise  peaches,  plums,  small  fruits,  potatoes,  lumber,  flour,  wheat,  canned  goods  and  wool. 

Pentwater  has  a poprtlation  of  about  1,400.  This  town  is  located  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan 
at  the  outlet  of  Pentwater  lake,  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  8 miles  northwest  of  Hart,  and 
44  north  of  Muskegon. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  Baptist,  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Church  of  Christ,  and  Catholic 
churches,  excellent  educational  advantages,  a public  library,  an  opera  house,  a fire  department,  water 
works,  a fruit  canning  factory,  2 banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  shipments  consist  of  lumber,  lath,  shingles,  tanbark,  fish  and  large  quantities  of  apples,  peaches, 
potatoes  and  produce. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  are  Hesperia,  Shelby  and  Walkercille. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette  Railroad,  The  Northern 
Michigan  Trans.  Co.  and  the  Hill  Boat  Line. 

OGEMAW  COUNTY. 

Ogemaw  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1840.  The  name  is  taken  from  the  Chippewas’ 
and  the  meaning  of  which  is  “Chief.” 

This  county  is  located  in  about  the  north-eastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Oscoda  county,  on  the  east  by  Iosco  county,  on  the  south  by  Gladwin  and  Arenac  counties, 
and  on  the  west  by  Roscommon  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  366,811.14  acres,  about  145,000  acres  of  which  are  already  in  good  farms. 

The  population  is  8,907  (census  1910). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  land  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  s$4,817,885. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  most  of  the  larger  counties.  There  are  59  schools,  2,342 
students  in  attendance,  reejuiring  the  services  of  82  teachers. 

The  county  has  5 banks  and  4 weekly  newspapers.  Also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail 
service. 

West  Branch  is  the  judicial  seat  and  largest  town  of  the  county.  The  poprflation  is  about  1,800. 

It  is  located  on  the  Mackinaw  division  Michigan  Central  Railroad,  53  miles  northwest  of  Bay 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


K.l 


City  aiul  l(>i  iiortliwi-st  of  |)ctroil.  It  is  liylilcd  hy  (•l(‘(•|  licily,  ha",  well  shaded  and  |);ived  streets,  a 
handsome  eonrt  houst',  j^ood  wider  and  drainay.e  system,  opei'a  house,  (ire  depart  ment,  a pnl)lie  library, 
ICpisi'opal,  Mi'thodist  and  C'alholie  elmrehes,  2 hanks  and  2 live  newspapers. 

'I'lu'  industrial  imterprist's  inelude  saw  and  planiny  mills,  machine  shop,  (lour  mill,  electric  li>dilin>.j 
plant,  creamery,  etc.  har^^c'  (|nantitic'S  of  live  stock,  clover  seed  and  hnckleherri(;s  are  s.hippcfl. 

Rose  C'ity  has  about  550  inhaliitants,  and  is  located  on  a branch  of  Ride  river,  and  on  the  Detroit 
and  Mackinac  Railroad,  15  miles  nortlusist  of  West  Mranch. 

It  has  h'ree  Mi'tiiodist,  butlu-ran  and  Methodist  l'>i)iscoi)aI  churches,  a bank  and  a weekly 
newspaper. 

'I'he  transportation  faeilitics  of  the  county  are  the  Michij^an  C'cntral,  and  Detroit  & Mackinac 
Railroads. 


ONTDNAt'.ON  COUNTY. 

Dntonaj^on  county  was  laid  out  in  liS45,  was  orj^anized  in  1848.  The  county  was  originally  much 
larger  and  included  that  territory  known  as  Isle  Royal.  It  took  its  name  from  the  river  of  the  same 
name,  emptying  into  Lake  Superior.  The  word  “Ontonagon”  is  thought  to  mean  “fishing  fdace.” 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  northwestern  i)art  of  the  Up])er  Peninsula.  Is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Lake  Superior,  on  the  east  by  Houghton  and  Iron  counties,  on  the  south  by  Gogebic  county,  and 
on  the  west  by  Gogebic  county  and  Lake  Superior. 

'Phe  total  land  area  is  844,753.71  acres.  About  39, ()()()  acres  are  already  in  good  farms. 

The  population  is  8,650  (1910  census). 

The  valuatioii  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $15,597,875. 

The  county  has  a good  school  system.  There  are  55  schools,  an  enrollment  of  2,484  students, 
requiring  99  teachers. 

There  are  6 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  There  is  also  good  telephone  and  telegraph  ser\dce. 

Ontonagon  is  the  county  seat  and  has  about  2,000  inhabitants. 

It  is  situated  on  the  south  shore  of  Lake  Superior  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ontonagon  river,  and  is  a 
station  on  the  Chicago  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  railway. 

It  owns  and  operates  its  own  water  and  electric  light  plants,  has  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  Method- 
ist Episcopal,  Swedish  Lutheran  and  Roman  Catholic  chttrehes,  fine  schools,  2 banks,  a w'eekly  news- 
paper, etc.  This  locality  is  fast  becoming  known  as  a healthful  summer  resort. 

In  the  vicinity  of  Ontonagon  are  several  billion  feet  of  hemlock,  pine,  ash,  basswood,  birch,  maple, 
elm,  cedar,  and  other  timber  of  the  finest  quality,  making  it  a fine  location  for  saw'  mills,  furniture  fac- 
tories, stave  and  heading  mills,  tanneries,  pulp  and  paper  mills,  w'oodenware  plants,  chemical  plants, 
etc.  Clays  and  shales  for  the  manufacture  of  paving  brick  and  fine  face  brick  are  found  in  abundance. 

The  agricultural  possibilities  of  this  locality  are  good  and  fine  fanns  are  numerous.  The  soil  is 
adapted  to  the  growing  of  many  kinds  of  grains,  vegetables  and  fruits. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Duluth  South  vShore  & Atlantic,  Chicago 
•S:  Northw'estem,  Chicago  Mihvaukee  & St.  Paul,  and  the  Copper  Range  Railroad,  also  the  United 
States  & Dominion  Trans.  Co. 


OSCEOLA  COUNTY. 

Osceola  county  w'as  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  originally  called  “Lmw'attin,”  the  name  of  a famous 
Ottawa  chief.  Later,  in  1843  the  name  was  changed  to  Osceola  w'hich  is  said  to  mean  “black  drink.” 
The  county  w'as  finally  organized  in  1869. 

This  county  is  located  in  about  the  northw'estern  part  of  the  Low'er  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  north  by  Wexford  and  Missaukee  counties,  on  the  east  by  Clare  county,  on  the  south  by  Mecosta 
county,  and  on  the  w'est  by  Lake  county. 

11 


162 


MICHIGAN 


The  total  land  area  is  367,337.05  aeres,  and  about  249,000  acres  are  already  in  good  productive 
farms. 

The  population  is  17,889  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  all  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in 
1911,  is  $10, .397, 176. 

d'he  school  system  in  this  county  is  good.  There  are  98  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  150  teachers, 
and  a total  enrollment  of  4,127  students. 

d'he  county  has  9 banks  and  7 weekly  newspapers.  Also  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service. 

Ilerscy  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county.  The  village  has  about  350  inhabitants,  and  is  located 
at  the  conllucnce  of  the  Hersey  and  Muskegon  rivers,  on  the  Pere  Marquette,  and  Grand  Rapids  and 
Indiana  Railroads.  It  has  churches  of  the  Congregational,  German  Evangelical  and  Methodist  Epis- 
copal denominations,  an  electric  light  and  power  plant,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Reed  City,  the  largest  town  of  the  county  has  a population  of  about  2,000.  This  town  is  located 
on  the  Ilerscy  river  at  the  intersection  of  the  Pere  Marquette  and  Grand  Rapids  and  Indiana  Railroads, 
4 miles  west  of  Hersey,  48  east  of  Ludington,  and  68  north  of  Grand  Rapids.  It  is  also  in  a good  agri- 
cultural section. 

It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a good  water  works  system,  good  hotels,  an  opera  house,  grain  ele- 
vator, excellent  educational  advantages,  a library,  churches  of  the  Congregational,  Baptist,  Lutheran, 
Gennan  Lutheran,  Mennonite,  Swedish,  German  Methodist,  Methodist  and  Catholic  denominations, 
2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

There  are  manufactories  of  shingles,  maple  flooring,  saw,  planing,  heading,  flour  and  woolen  mills, 
foundry,  etc. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  include  Evart,  (pop.  about  1,400),  Le  Roy,  Marion,  and  Tustin. 

Evart  is  situated  on  the  Pere  Marquette  railroad,  between  Saginaw  and  Ludington.  It  has  good 
hotels,  an  opera  house,  good  school  system.  Baptist,  Catholic,  Methodist  and  Presbyterian  churches 
2 libraries,  electric  light  and  water  works  plant,  fire  department,  2 banks  and  a weekly  newspaper.  The 
shipments  include  lumberman’s  tools,  lumber,  farm  produce  and  grain. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  Pere  Marquette, 
Manistee  & Grand  Rapids,  and  the  Ann  Arbor  Railroads. 

OSCODA  COUNTY. 

Oscoda  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1840.  The  name  is  of  Indian  origin  and  is  said  to 
mean  “pebbly  prairie.’’ 

It  is  located  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Mont- 
morency county,  on  the  east  by  Alcona  county,  on  the  south  by  Ogemaw  county,  and  on  the  west  by 
Cravidord  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  364,769.48  acres.  Of  this  number  about  60,000  acres  are  now  devoted  to 
fanns.  The  population  is  2,027. 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $2,264,747. 

There  are  29  schools,  521  students  in  attendance,  requiring  the  sendees  of  33  teachers. 

The  county  has  2 banks,  1 weekly  newspaper,  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service. 

Mio,  the  county  seat  has  a population  of  about  300.  It  is  situated  on  the  Au  Sable  river,  15  miles 
from  Comins.  its  shipping  point. 

It  has  a Methodist  church,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  transportation  facility  of  the  county  is  the  Au  Sable  and  Northwestern  Railroad. 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


163 


O'I'SICdO  ('OUNTY. 

'Phis  I'lMinty  was  I'lrsL  laid  out  in  ISK),  and  was  aL  Ltiat  limn  nailed  ‘‘Okknddo.”  In  lKt3  Uu;  name 
was  nhan^^nil  lo  Dtse^jo  whii'h  is  said  Lo  mean  “clear  water. ” 'I'he  connly  was  nrjjanized  in  1H75. 

It  is  Inc'ated  in  the  nortlK'rn  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula,  d'lic  Lonndaries  arc  (dielK)yj(an  eonnty 
on  the  north,  Montmorency  eonnty  on  the  east,  Crawford  eonnty  on  tlie  south  and  Antrim  and  Charle- 
voix counties  on  the  west. 

'I'he  total  land  are;i  is  334,272.%  acres.  Of  this  numl)cr  about  60,000  acres  arc  already  in  good 
fanns. 

'I'he  population  is  6,552  (tOU)  ccn.sus). 

'I'lie  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Hoard  of  'Fax  Commissioners  in 
1611.  is  $6,014,036 

A good  school  system  is  to  be  found  throughout  the  county.  There  are  40  sehools,  an  enrollment 
of  1,642  students,  furnishing  positions  for  72  teaehers. 

'I'he  county  has  five  banks  and  two  weekly  newspapers,  while  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service  is  also  to  be  found. 

Caylord,  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county,  has  about  1,800  inhabitants.  It  is  located  on  the  Mich- 
igan Central,  and  the  Boyne  City  Gaylord  and  Alpena  Railroads,  63  miles  south  of  Mackinaw  City. 

It  is  the  trading  point  for  a prosperous  agricultural  section,  has  Congregational,  Methodist,  Baptist 
and  Catholic  churches,  a high  school  building  erected  at  a cost  of  about  $27,000,  municipally  owned 
water  works  and  electric  light  plant,  opera  house,  two  banks  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

A wooden  ware  factory,  a grist  mill  and  a motor  car  plant  comprise  the  chief  industries. 

Vanderbilt,  with  about  550  inhabitants,  is  located  on  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad,  eight  and 
one-half  miles  north  of  Gaylord ; has  Congregational  and  Alethodist  churches,  a shingle  mill  and  a bank. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central,  Boyne  City  Gaylord  & Alpena, 
and  the  Detroit  and  Charlevoix  Railroads. 

OTTAWA  COUNTY. 

Ottawa  county  was  laid  out  in  1831,  and  was  organized  in  1837.  The  name  is  that  of  a once  power- 
ful tribe  of  Indians  that  inhabited  the  northwestern  portion  of  the  Lower  Peninsula. 

This  county  is  located  in  the  western  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsvda  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Muskegon  county,  on  the  east  by  Kent  county,  on  the  south  by  Allegan  county,  and  on  the  west 
by  Lake  Michigan. 

The  total  land  area  is  357,839.46  acres,  of  which  about  325,000  acres  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  45,301  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $44,347,162. 

The  school  system  is  equal  to  that  of  any  of  the  larger  counties,  there  being  136  schools,  10,277 
students  in  attendance,  requiring  the  ser\dces  of  297  teachers. 

The  county  has  13  banks,  2 daily  and  12  weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and 
rural  mail  service. 

Grand  Haven,  the  capitol  city  of  the  coimty  has  a population  of  about  5,856.  It  is  the  western 
terminus  of  the  (D.  & M.  div.)  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  31  miles  west  of  Grand  Rapids.  It  is  also  a sta- 
tion on  the  Pere  Marquette  R.  R.,  and  the  Grand  Rapids  Grand  Haven  & Muskegon  Ry.  (electric). 
The  town  is  pictiuesquely  located  at  the  mouth  of  the  Grand  River,  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan, 
and  is  one  of  the  most  important  ports  on  the  shore  of  the  lake. 

The  city  has  churches  representing  the  leading  denominations,  a $60,000  high  school,  1 union  and 
5 ward  school  buildings,  an  institute,  a library,  an  opera  house,  first  class  hotels,  2 banks,  a daily  and  a 
weekly  newspaper.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has  an  excellent  system  of  water  works,  good 
fire  department,  etc. 


164 


MICHIGAN 


Grand  Haven  is  in  the  eenter  of  Miehigan’s  great  fruit  belt  and  large  ciuantities  of  grapes  and  berries 
are  shipped  annually.  h''ishing  is  also  an  important  interest. 

Holland,  the  largest  city  in  the  county  has  a pojmlation  of  about  12,000.  It  is  located  on  the  Pere 
Marciuettc  Ry.,  and  on  the  Grand  Rapids  Holland  & Chicago  Ry.  (electric),  20  miles  south  of  Grand 
Haven  and  25  southwest  of  Grand  Rapids.  It  has  a good  natural  harbor  at  the  head  of  Black  Lake 
and  has  a permanent  channel  of  18  feet. 

The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity  and  gas,  has  water  works,  fire  department,  excellent  sewerage 
system,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  a high  school  and  5 ward  schools  and  Hope  College, 
said  to  be  the  seat  of  learning  of  the  Reformed  church  in  America.  The  Western  Theological  Seminary 
of  the  Reformed  church  in  America  is  also  located  here.  One  daily  and  five  weekly  newspapers  are 
published  here. 

Holland  is  an  important  fruit  market  and  general  farm  produce  is  largely  shipped.  The  leading 
manufactories  are  woodenware  and  leather.  There  are  also  planing  mills,  iron  foundries,  glass,  ma- 
chinery, tool,  chemical  engine,  screen,  basket,  piano  and  furnace  factories,  a beet  sugar  factory,  the 
second  largest  pickle  works  in  the  United  States,  roller  flouring  mills,  canning  factories,  furniture 
factories,  a rail  way  printing  plant,  saw  mills,  shoe  factory,  etc. 

Adjacent  to  the  city  arc  located  three  large  summer  resorts. 

Other  thriving  towns  of  the  county  are  Zeeland,  Coopersville  and  Spring  Lake. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Trunk,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana, 
Pere  Marquette  Railroads,  Grand  Rapids  Grand  Haven  & Muskegon  (electric).  Grand  Rapids  Hol- 
land & Chicago,  (electric)  and  the  Graham  & Morton  Trans.  Co.,  Goodrich  S.  S.  Line,  Crosby  Trans. 
Co.,  and  the  Grand  Trunk  Car  Ferry. 

PRESQUE  ISLE  COUNTY. 

This  county  was  laid  out  in  1840,  and  was  organized  in  1871.  The  county  was  so  named  from  the 
nan'ow  peninsula — presque  isle — jutting  out  into  Lake  Huron  toward  the  southern  end  of  the  county. 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  northeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Cheboygan  county  and  Lake  Huron,  on  the  east  by  Lake  Huron,  on  the  south  by  Montmorency 
and  Alpena  counties,  and  on  the  west  by  Cheboygan  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  428,874.97  acres.  About  132,000  acres  are  already  in  good  farms. 

The  population  of  the  county  is  11,249  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  85,457,792  on  all  taxable 
land.  There  are  a total  of  50  schools,  2,360  scholars  in  attendance,  requiring  74  teachers. 

The  county  has  4 banks  and  4 weekh^  newspapers,  also  telephone,  telegraph  and  rural  mail  service. 

Rogers,  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  has  a poprdation  of  about  700.  It  is  located  on  the  shore  of 
Lake  Huron,  35  miles  northwest  of  Alpena,  45  southeast  of  Cheboygan,  and  Ilf  miles  from  Metz  Depot 
on  the  Detroit  & Mackinac  Railroad.  It  has  Methodist,  Lutheran  and  Catholic  churches,  a bank  and 
a weekly  newspaper. 

The  largest  town  in  the  county  is  Onaway,  which  has  about  2,700  inhabitants.  It  is  located  on 
the  Detroit  & Mackinac  Ry.,  27  miles  southwest  of  Rogers,  26  miles  southeast  of  Cheboygan,  and  46 
miles  northwest  of  Alpena,  in  the  midst  of  timbered  lands,  agricultural  lands,  and  trout  streams.  It 
has  Episcopal,  Methodist,  Baptist  and  Catholic  churches,  good  schools,  municipally  owned  electric 
light  and  water  plant,  opera  hoixse,  2 public  halls,  good  hotels,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers.  The 
industries  inckxde  manufactories  of  bicycle  and  automobile  steering  wheel  rims,  cooperage,  saw  mills, 
a foundry  and  machine  shop,  shingle  mills,  handle  factory,  stave  and  heading  mills,  planing  mill,  hoop 
mill,  etc.  Onaway  is  located  near  two  of  the  best  trout  streams  in  northern  Michigan — the  Black  and 
Rainy  rivers. 

Millersburg,  with  its  550  inhabitants,  is  located  on  the  Detroit  & Mackinac  Ry.,  and  on  the  Ocqueoc 
river,  18  miles  southwest  of  Rogers,  and  midway  between  Alpena  and  Cheboygan.  It  has  Methodist, 
Presbyterian  and  Catholic  churches,  a graded  public  school,  a bank  and  a weekly  new.spaper. 

The  principal  transportation  facility  of  the  county  is  the  Detroit  & Mackinac  Railroad. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


K,.S 


R()S('()MM()N  ('OUN'I'V. 

Rosi'ominon  anmty  was  laid  oiil  in  IS  10  and  was  at  lliaL  lime  called  Mikcnank,  the  name  of  a farnon:. 
Ottawa  cliicf.  Later,  in  lS4d  the  name  was  changed  and  in  1S75  the  connly  was  finally  or^'anizerl. 
'I'he  name  Roseommon  was  taken  from  a eoimly  in  the  eenlral  i)arL  of  Ireland. 

'Phis  eounty  is  located  in  ahoiiL  the  north  eenlral  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  Is  Lounried  on 
the  north  by  ('rawford  eounty,  on  the  east  by  Ojjemaw  county,  on  the  south  by  Clare  and  Cladwin 
eovmties,  aiul  on  the  west  by  Missaukee  eounty. 

The  total  laml  area  is  ddS.dlS.dd  acres,  with  about  34,()()()  acres  now  converted  into  farms. 

The  population  is  2,274  (1010  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  i)roperty  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  S2.()28.967. 

The  county  has  a jjood  school  system,  there  being  27  schools,  an  enrollment  of  551  students,  and 
supplying  positions  for  v?8  teachers. 

There  is  1 bank  and  1 weekly  newspaper,  also  telegraph  and  telephone  service  in  the  county. 

Roscommon  is  the  county  scat  and  has  a population  of  about  550.  It  is  a station  on  the  Michigan 
Central  Railroad,  45  miles  south  of  Gaylord,  77  northwest  of  Bay  City,  and  105  south  of  Mackinaw 
City.  It  has  Congregational,  Methodist  and  Catholic  churches,  a graded  public  school,  electric  light 
and  water  works  plant,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central,  and  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana 
Railroads. 


SAGINAW  COUNTY. 

This  county  was  first  laid  out  in  1822  by  Lewis  Cass,  then  Governor  of  Michigan.  It  was  again 
laid  out  by  the  Legislature  in  1831  and  was  finally  organized  in  1835.  The  county  takes  its  name  from 
the  river  and  bay  of  that  name. 

Saginaw  county  is  located  in  the  east  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsiila.  It  is  boimded  on  the 
north  by  Midland  and  Bay  comities,  on  the  east  by  Tuscola  county,  on  the  south  by  Shiawassee  and 
Genesee  counties,  and  on  the  west  by  Gratiot  and  Alidland  counties. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  520,291.45  acres.  Of  this  number,  about  431,000  acres  are  de- 
voted to  farms  which  are  wonderfully  productive. 

The  population  is  89,290  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  862,859,589. 

There  are  193  schools,  an  enrollment  of  15,837  pupils,  requiring  the  sendees  of  482  teachers. 

The  county  has  17  banks,  2 dailj'  and  11  weekly  newspapers.  Splendid  telegraph,  telephone  and 
rural  mail  ser^dee  is  foimd  in  every  community. 

Saginaw,  the  largest  city  and  judicial  seat  of  the  county  has  a population  of  about  50,510  (U.  S. 
census  1910). 

It  is  located  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Ry.  System,  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  Pere  Marquette,  the 
Saginaw  & Baj'  Cit}*,  (electric)  and  the  Saginaw  & Flint  Ry.,  (electric),  93  rmles  northwest  of  Port  Hmon 
and  98  northwest  of  Detroit,  at  the  point  where  the  Bad  Cass,  Shiawassee  and  Tittabawassee  rivers 
and  Swan  Creek  unite  to  form  the  Saginaw  river.  Down  these  rivers  were  floated  16,000,000,000  feet 
of  logs  and  in  the  early  days  Saginaw  was  dependent  on  activity  as  a lumber  center.  It  is  said  more 
logs  have  gone  dowm  the  Saginaw  river  than  have  been  floated  on  any  other  stream  in  the  world  and 
the  Saginaw  manufactmdng  district  has  manufactmed  more  pine  timber  than  any  other  district  in  the 
world. 

Coal  and  salt  have  taken  the  place  of  lumber  in  an  industrial  way,  above  ground  the  fertile  fields 
of  the  Saginaw  valley  have  shown  what  resources  can  be  developed  in  the  way  of  sugar  beets  and  the 


166 


MICHIGAN 


foundation  has  been  laid  for  the  long  list  of  staple  industries.  There  are  numerous  coal  mines  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  city. 

vSaginaw  has  an  area  of  about  12  square  miles,  220  miles  of  streets,  68  miles  of  paving,  113  miles 
of  public  sewers,  30  miles  of  electric  street  railway,  several  parks  covering  in  all  about  240  acres,  a first 
class  water  works  plant,  101  miles  of  water  mains,  a thoroughly  eciuipped  fire  department,  police  de- 
partment, 26  public  schools,  one  of  the  finest  manual  training  schools  in  the  country,  costing  about 
$250,000,  a number  of  parochial  schools,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  several  hospitals,  beau- 
tiful first  class  hotels,  theatres,  magnificent  federal  building  and  free  public  library,  etc. 

The  city  has  a great  diversity  of  industries,  some  of  which  are  automobiles  and  auto  parts,  agri- 
cultural implements,  maple  flooring,  wood  alcohol,  barrels,  beer  and  malt,  lumbering  tools,  boilers, 
brass  castings,  brick,  carriages,  corsets,  coal  cars,  elevators,  furniture,  gas  engines,  glass,  matches,  motors, 
underwear,  portable  houses,  patent  medicine,  pianos,  railroad  machinery,  sash,  doors,  and  blinds,  saws, 
seed  cleaning  machinery,  wagons,  wheelbarrows,  windmills,  woolen  goods,  etc. 

Other  important  towns  of  the  county  are  Chesaning,  Frankenmuth,  Merrill,  and  St.  Charles. 

A very  fine  quality  of  bituminous  coal  has  been  found  at  a depth  of  from  218  to  300  feet  where  a test 
has  been  made  in  this  county. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central,  Pere  Marquette, 
Grand  Trunk  Railways;  Saginaw  & Flint  Ry.,  (electric)  and  the  Saginaw  & Bay  City,  (electric). 

SANILAC  COUNTY. 

Sanilac  county  was  laid  out  in  1822  and  was  organized  in  1848.  The  county  takes  its  name  from 
a famous  Indian  chief  who  took  part  in  the  early  wars  between  the  Iroquois  and  Wyandottes. 

It  is  located  in  the  extreme  eastern  part  of  the  Southern  Peninsula.  Its  boundaries  are  Huron 
county  on  the  north.  Lake  Huron  on  the  east,  Lapeer  and  St.  Clair  cormties  on  the  south,  and  Lapeer 
and  Ttiscola  cotmties  on  the  west. 

The  total  land  area  is  616,213.60  acres.  Of  this  number  about  552,000  acres  are  devoted  to  splendid 
farms. 

The  popvdation  is  33,930  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $25,979,839. 

There  are  159  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  79  teachers  and  an  enrollment  of  8,659  students. 

The  county  has  26  banks  and  12  weekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service  is  found  in  nearly  every  locality. 

Sandusky  is  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  1,000.  It  is  located 
on  the  Pere  Marquette  Ry.,  8 miles  west  of  Carsonville,  and  46  northwest  of  Port  Huron;  has  Episcopal, 
Methodist,  and  Presbyterian  churches,  electric  light  and  power  plant,  opera  house,  water  works,  sewer- 
age, good  hotels,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

Croswell,  the  largest  town  in  the  county  has  about  1,500  inhabitants.  It  is  located  on  the  Black 
river  and  on  the  Pere  Marquette  Ry.,  20  miles  southeast  of  Sandusky,  26  above  Port  Huron  and  90 
above  Detroit. 

It  has  large  area  of  fine  agricultural  territory  tributary  for  which  it  is  the  receiving  and  distributing 
point.  It  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  good  sewerage  system,  water  works,  churches  of  many  denomina- 
tions, excellent,  public  schools,  opera  house,  sugar  factory,  brick  and  tile  works,  flour  mill,  creamery, 
bridge  and  culvert  works,  2 banks,  2 newspapers,  etc. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  include  Marlette,  Applegate,  Brown  City,  Deckerville,  Forestville,  and 
Lexington,  all  in  a good  agricultural  section. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette,  Detroit  Bay  City 
& Western,  and  the  Detroit  and  Huron  Railroads. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


167 


S('ll( )( )L('KAI'''I'  COI’N'IA'. 

'Phis  ('oimty  was  laid  oiil.  and  orj;ani/(‘<I  in  l.SIK  and  wa:.  nanicil  in  honor  of  Ih'iiry  kowc  School- 
craft, whose  nanu'  is  associated  with  his  resi'arehes  in  all  in.atters  eonneei.eil  with  the  Indians. 

'I'his  eoniUy  is  loeaU'd  in  ahont  the  eentr.'il  p.art  of  the  Tpiu-r  I’eninsnia.  IL  is  l)onndc(|  on  ihf; 
north  by  Alj;er  county,  on  the  t'ast.  by  bnet'  and  Mackinac  connti(!S,  on  Uu;  south  by  I^akc  Michi^'an 
aiul  on  till'  west  by  .\ls;er  and  l)i'lta  connlies. 

'Pho  total  land  .area  is  75S,()65.76  acres,  of  wliich  .abont  16, 1)00  acres  are  now  in  ^ood  farms.  I’opu- 
latiiin,  S,6S1.  ( 16 U)  census.) 

'Phe  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  cstim.ated  by  the  State  Hoard  of  'Pax  ('oinrnissif)ners  in  1611, 
is  SS,d‘H),56-l.  'Phe  school  system  is  eciual  to  that  of  many  of  the  larger  counties,  there  being  .34  schools, 
an  enrollment  of  1,84S  students  reciuiring  the  services  of  76  teachers. 

'Phe  county  has  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers,  telegraph,  telej)hone  and  mral  mail  serviee. 

Manistique,  the  largest  city  and  judicial  seat  of  the  county  has  a population  of  about  ,3,000.  It 
oeeujnes  a beautiful  location  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Michigan,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Manisticpie  river,  60 
miles  by  water  from  St.  Ignace,  107  from  Sault  Ste.  Marie  and  256  from  Chicago.  It  is  a station  on 
the  Milwaukee  St.  Haul  and  St.  Ste.  Marie  Ry.,  and  on  the  Manistee  and  Northeastern  railroads. 

'Phe  city  is  electrically  and  gas  lighted,  has  a good  sewer  system,  a fine  system  of  water  works,  well 
equipped  fire  department,  beautiful  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  an  opera  house,  hospital, 
a splendid  school  system,  2 banks  and  2 progressive  newspapers.  The  principal  industries  include 
lumber  mills,  chemieal  works,  lime  faetory,  box  factory,  tannery,  planing  mills,  etc.  'Phe  magnificent 
areas  of  scenery,  good  hunting  and  fishing  has  made  Manistique  well  known  as  a summer  resort. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  include  the  Duluth  South  Shore  & Atlantic  Ry.,  Manis- 
tique Ry.,  Ann  Arbor  Car  Ferry,  Manistee  & Lake  Superior  Ry.,  and  the  Minneapolis  St.  Paul  & Sault 
Ste.  Marie  Ry. 

SHIAWASSEE  COUNTY. 

Shiawassee  county  was  laid  out  in  1822  and  was  organized  in  1837.  The  name  is  taken  from  the 
river  extending  through  the  county  which  derives  the  name  from  the  words  meaning  “straight  ahead.’’ 

It  is  located  in  about  the  south  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Saginaw  county,  on  the  east  by  Genesee  county,  on  the  south  by  Ingham  and  Livingston  counties, 
and  on  the  west  by  Clinton  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  345,200.32  acres.  Of  this  number  about  328,000  acres  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  33,246  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $30,723,295. 

There  are  128  schools,  furnishing  positions  for  251  teachers,  and  a total  enrollment  of  6,515  students. 

The  county  has  12  banks,  2 daily  and  9 weekly  newspapers.  Telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail 
seiAuce  is  found  throughout  the  coimty. 

Corunna,  the  judicial  seat  of  the  county  has  a population  of  about,  1,384.  It  is  located  on  the 
Grand  Trunk  Ry.  and  the  Ann  Arbor  Railroad,  the  Owosso  & Corunna  Electric  Ry.,  and  on  both  sides 
of  the  Shiawassee  river,  3 miles  from  Owosso,  39  south  of  Saginaw,  30  northeast  of  Lansing,  22  west  of 
Flint  and  75  northwest  of  Detroit.  It  has  Episcopal,  Presbyterian,  Methodist,  Free  Methodist  and 
Baptist  churches,  a fine  school  house,  a library,  a beautiful  park,  a court  house  costing  about  $142,000, 
a bank,  2 weekly  newspapers. 

Furniture,  lumber,  flour,  robes  and  cigars  are  manufactured,  and  coal  is  mined  and  shipped. 

Owosso  is  the  largest  city  in  the  county  and  has  about  11,000  inhabitants.  It  is  sitiiated  on  the 
Shiawassee  river  and  on  the  Ann  Arbor,  the  Grand  Trunk,  and  Michigan  Central  roads,  3 miles  north- 
west of  Corunna,  28  from  Lansing  and  78  from  Detroit.  The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  a mimic- 
ipal  water  works  system,  6 miles  of  street  paving,  sewerage  system,  fire  department,  opera  house,  a 
$65,000  post  office,  4 school  buildings,  churches  of  many  denominations,  3 banks,  2 daily  newspapers,  etc. 


16S 


M I C 1 1 I (',  A N 


'Pile  car  sho])S  of  the  Ann  Arbor  Railroad  arc  located  here  giving  employment  to  a large  numljer  of 
men.  The  city’s  manufacturing  interest  include  the  second  largest  casket  company  in  the  world,  one 
of  the  i)iggest  motor  truck  factories  in  the  United  States,  a table  i)lant,  stove  works,  iron  and  engine 
works,  screen  door  and  sash  works,  one  of  the  largest  butter  concerns  in  the  State,  packing  house,  arti- 
ficial icc  jilant,  handle  works,  carriage  and  sleigh  works,  knitting  works,  planing  mills,  flour  mill,  sugar 
plant,  etc. 

Other  important  towns  of  the  county  all  located  in  good  agricultural  sections  are  Bancroft,  Byron, 
Durand,  Laingsburg,  Morrice,  Perry,  and  Vernon. 

Durand,  with  a i)Oi)ulation  of  about  2,500,  is  located  at  the  junction  of  the  Grand  Trunk,  Grand 
Trunk  Western , and  Ann  Arbor  Railroads,  8 miles  southeast  of  Corunna,  17  from  Flint  and  67  from 
Detroit,  fl'he  Grand  Trunk  Railroad  has  spent  something  like  $300,000  on  property  in  and  around 
Durand,  including  a round  house,  one  of  the  largest  on  its  system,  a $100,000  depot,  coal  chutes,  car- 
jK'nter  shoj)  and  foundry,  etc.  The  city  has  a municipally  owned  electric  light  and  water  plant.  Congre- 
gational, Episcopal,  Methodist,  Baptist,  Christian  and  Catholic  churches,  2 school  buildings,  a combi- 
nati(jn  fire  hall,  council  chamber,  public  library  and  city  office  building,  a fire  department,  7 miles  of 
sewers,  a creamery,  machine  and  stamping  works,  a hoop  works,  flour  mill,  2 grain  elevators,  a $10,000 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  building,  2 banks,  a weekly  newspaper,  etc. 

Transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Grand  Trunk,  Michigan  Central,  Ann  Arbor  Rail- 
roads, and  the  Michigan  United  Traction  Co.,  (electric). 

ST.  CLAIR  COUNTY. 

St.  Clair  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1821  and  is  thought  to  have  been  named  in  honor 
of  General  Arthur  St.  Clair,  first  Governor  of  the  Northwest  Territory. 

This  county  is  located  in  about  the  southeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded  on 
the  north  Ijy  Sanilac  county,  on  the  east  by  Lake  Hirron  and  the  vSt.  Clair  river,  on  the  south  by  Anchor 
Bay,  Lake  St.  Clair  and  Macomb  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Lapeer  county. 

The  total  land  area  of  the  county  is  443,391.12  acres,  of  which  about  415,000  acres  are  already 
in  wonderfully  productive  fanns. 

The  population  is  52,341  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property,  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $48,470,323. 

There  are  174  schools,  an  enrollment  of  9,802  students,  giving  positions  to  336  teachers. 

The  county  has  15  banks,  1 daily  and  10  weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and 
mral  mail  service. 

Port  Huron  is  the  judicial  seat  and  largest  city  in  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  23,000. 
The  city  is  advantageously  located  at  the  foot  of  Lake  Huron  at  the  head  of  St.  Clair  river,  65  miles  by 
water,  and  57  by  rail  from  Detroit,  and  1 13  from  Lansing.  It  has  7 miles  of  water  front,  3 miles  of  which 
are  given  over  to  ideal  homes  and  bathing  beaches.  It  is  a station  on  the  Pere  Marquette  and  the  Grand 
Trunk  Rys.,  with  the  Detroit  United  Railway  interurban  line  to  Detroit.  Two  ferry  lines  connect 
the  city  with  Sarnia  and  Port  Edward,  on  the  Canadian  side  of  the  river.  The  railway  tunnel  under 
the  St.  Clair  river,  built  by  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  is  one  of  the  greatest  engineering  achievements 
on  the  continent.  It  is  over  a mile  in  length  from  the  American  to  the  Canadian  side  and  cost  about 
$3,0()0,0()0  to  build.  This  is  an  important  port  of  entry  and  a large  customs  business  is  transacted. 
There  are  two  dry  docks  and  three  ship  yards.  The  city  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  broad  cement  walks, 
25  miles  of  good  pavement,  modem  system  of  water  works,  thoroughly  equipped  fire  departments, 
police  department,  about  75  acres  of  public  parks,  a handsome  court  house,  and  city  hall,  auditorium, 
opera  houses,  a customs  house  and  post  office  building,  a $30,000  Y.  M.  C.  A.  building,  a hospital  costing 
about  $40,000,  and  a detention  hospital,  churches  representing  the  leading  denominations,  16  public 
schools  including  the  County  Normal,  a beautiful  library,  4 banks,  1 daily  and  1 weekly  newspaper,  etc. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


](,•) 


'I'lu'  lai'm'r  inilu:;l rial  instilulions  iiu'ludc  an  cn^^iiic  and  llimslicr  works,  a snlpliiU-  fihrn  works, 
a sail  I’aclorv  which  is  one  of  ihc  larja-sl  in  the  world,  anloinohilc  factory,  knittinj'  factory,  an  anto 
luuly  faclorv,  planiny  mills,  waj;on  works,  hrooni  factories,  boiler  works,  etc. 

Other  thri\in^  communities  of  llu'  county  arc  Marine  Oily,  St.  ('lair,  Al^'onac,  ('apac,  I'humet 
aiul  \'alc,  all  surrounded  l)y  farms. 

'I'hc  priiu'ipal  transportation  fai-ililics  of  the'  comity  arc'  tlie  I’cre  Mar(|uette,  Orand  d'nmk,  Mieh- 
i^^an  ('c'utral,  I’ort  Huron  iV  Soutlu'ru  Rys.,  Detroit  United  Railway  (elc'clric'),  Star  (ado  lane,  Detrccit 
vV  ('k'vclaud  Nav.  ('o.,  ICric  i<.-  Michi}:;au  Ry.  and  Nav.  ('<>.,  Northern  S.  S.  C'o.,  8c  Itrie  & Western  1'raus. 
(\).,  tAuchor  Lino)  and  the  Nortliern  'I'raus.  C'o. 


ST.  JOSIilMI  COUNTY. 

'Phis  county  was  laid  out  and  organized  in  1S29  and  takes  its  name  from  the  river  which  flows  through 
it  and  the  river  in  turn  was  so  called  in  honor  of  the  j^atron  Saint  of  New  France. 

St.  Joseiih  county  is  located  in  the  extreme  southern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Kalamazoo  county,  on  the  east  by  Branch  county,  on  the  south  by  Indiana,  and  on  the 
west  by  Cass  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  319,794.45  acres,  of  which  nearly  301,000  acres  are  in  farms  which  rank 
among  the  best  in  the  State. 

The  population  is  25,499  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $29,099,846. 

There  are  128  sehools,  furnishing  positions  for  227  teachers,  and  a total  enrollment  of  4,729  students. 

The  eounty  has  13  banks.  1 daily  and  8 weekly  newspapers.  First  class  telegraph,  telephone 
and  rural  mail  scr^^cc  is  found  in  every  community. 

Centerville,  the  judieial  seat  of  the  county  has  a population  of  about  700.  It  is  located  on  the 
Michigan  Central  Railroad  and  on  the  Prairie  river,  64  miles  southwest  of  Jackson  and  141  from  Detroit. 
It  has  Baptist,  Lutheran,  Methodist  and  Presbyterian  ehurehes,  electrie  light,  water  works,  fire 
department,  a bank  and  a weekly  newspaper. 

Sturgis,  one  of  the  largest  cities  of  the  county  has  about  4,500  inhabitants.  It  is  located  in  the 
heart  of  one  of  the  riehest  and  most  produetive  sections  of  the  State,  at  the  intersection  of  the  Grand 
Rapids  Sc  Indiana,  and  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Rys.,  13  miles  southeast  of  Centerville, 
85  from  Grand  Rapids.  It  owns  and  operates  its  own  eleetrie  light,  power  and  water  plant,  has  a fire 
department,  sanitary  sewerage  system,  broad  streets,  ehurehes  of  many  denominations,  a publie  library, 
2 banks  and  2 live  newspapers. 

The  manufactures  embrace,  fumitrire,  children’s  go-carts,  steel  tanks,  shears,  stair  rods,  brass 
goods,  plumbers’  goods,  reels,  com  poppers,  doors,  blinds,  medicines,  woodenware,  etc. 

Other  tovms  of  the  county  are  Burr  Oak,  Colon,  Constantine,  Mendon,  Three  Rivers,  and  White 
Pigeon. 

Three  Rivers,  with  a population  of  about  5,000,  is  located  at  the  junction  of  the  Portage,  Rock 
and  St.  Joseph  rivers,  hence  the  name,  and  is  a station  on  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad,  and  the  Lake 
Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railway,  6 miles  west  of  Centen.dlle. 

The  location  of  the  city  is  unique  in  itself  and  each  of  the  three  streams  have  wide  sweeping  bends 
and  are  bordered  with  rich  fami  lands  and  woods.  The  city  has  broad,  well  paved  and  beautifully 
shaded  streets,  is  lighted  by  electrieity,  has  water  works,  sewerage  system,  fire  department,  several 
chtrrches,  a $30,000  union  high  school,  a commercial  college,  a publie  library,  4 ward  sehools,  an  opera 
house,  first  class  hotels,  2 banks,  a daily  newspaper,  etc.  Each  of  the  rivers  offer  excellent  water  power 
facilities  and  each  is  harnessed  by  a mammoth  cement  dam. 

The  principal  manufactures  embrace  intemrban  cars,  hand  cars,  observation  cars  and  railroad 
velocipedes,  sweaters,  wool  undergarments,  paper,  rattan  ftuniture,  brass  goods,  farm  implements. 


170 


MICHIGAN 


electrical  supplies,  castings,  etc.  There  is  also  a pork  packing  establishment,  2 robe  tanneries  and  one 
of  the  largest  strawberry  nurseries  in  the  world. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan 
Southern,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana,  and  the  Grand  Trunk  Railroads. 

TUvSeOLA  COUNTY. 

This  county  was  laid  out  in  1840  and  was  organized  in  1850.  The  name  is  thought  to  mean  “level 
lands.” 

It  is  located  in  about  the  east  central  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Saginaw  Bay  and  Huron  county,  on  the  east  by  Sanilac  county,  on  the  south  by  Lapeer  and  Genesee 
counties,  and  on  the  west  by  Saginaw  and  Bay  counties. 

The  total  land  area  is  454,440.14  acres.  Of  this  number  about  451,000  acres  are  devoted  to  fine 
farms. 

The  population  is  34,913  (1910  census). 

In  1911  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $26,092,395  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

There  are  157  schools,  an  enrollment  of  7,693  students,  requiring  the  services  of  248  teachers. 

The  county  has  23  banks  and  10  weekly  newspapers,  also  good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail 
service  in  every  community. 

Caro  is  the  county  seat  and  the  largest  town.  The  population  is  2,500.  This  town  is  located  on 
the  Caro  branch  Bay  City  division  Michigan  Central  Railroad,  and  Detroit  Bay  City  & Western  Ry., 
32  miles  southeast  of  Bay  City,  39  miles  north  of  Lapeer  and  100  miles  northwest  of  Detroit.  It  is 
lighted  by  electricity,  has  an  excellent  system  of  water  works,  a voluntary  fire  department,  good 
hotels,  churches  of  the  leading  religious  denominations,  good  schools,  2 banks,  2 newspapers  and  one 
of  the  largest  beet  sugar  factories  in  the  State. 

Vassar,  another  town  in  the  county  is  advantageously  located  on  the  Cass  river  and  on  the  Mich- 
igan Central  and  Pere  Marquette  Railroads,  13f  miles  southwest  of  Caro  and  86  from  Detroit. 

It  is  surrounded  and  supported  by  a rich  agricultural  section,  is  lighted  by  electricity,  has  broad, 
well  shaded  and  well  paved  streets,  a fine  system  of  water  works,  a fire  department,  natural  drainage 
aided  by  a sanitary  sewerage  system,  a public  library,  opera  house,  good  hotels,  several  churches,  a 
splendid  public  school  system,  4 banks  and  2 newspapers. 

The  manufacturing  interests  include  flour  and  feed  mills,  shipping  crate  factory,  machine  shop, 
milk  condensing  factory,  dye  factory,  cement  block  works,  grain  elevators,  etc. 

Other  towns  in  the  county  are  Cass  City,  Fairgrove,  Gagetown,  Kingston,  Mayville,  Millington, 
and  Reese,  all  in  a good  agricultural  section. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  Pere  Marquette  R.  R., 
Pontiac  Oxford  & Northern  R.  R.,  Detroit  & Huron  R.  R.,  Detroit  Bay  City  & Western  R.  R. 

VAN  BUREN  COUNTY. 

Van  Buren  comity  was  laid  out  in  1829,  was  organized  in  1837  and  named  in  honor  of  Secretary  of 
State  Martin  Van  Bmen. 

It  is  located  in  the  southwest  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Allegan 
county,  on  the  east  by  Kalamazoo  county,  on  the  south  by  Cass  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Lake  Mich- 
igan and  Berrien  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  391,442.62  acres,  of  which  about  362,000  acres  are  in  wonderfully  productive 
farms. 

The  poprflation  is  33,185  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $35,164,410. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


171 


'I'Ik'iv  ari'  155  st-liools,  a total  cnrolliiK'iiL  ol  f),.S2  l sttidciiLs,  cmployinj'  .Ml  LaaclKa';;. 

'I'ln'  county  has  I I hanUs,  2 daily  and  weekly  newsiuiper.s.  (lood  telegraph,  Lelepliotic  and  nind 
mail  .si'fvii'e  is  found  in  every  loc'ality. 

I’aw  I’aw  is  the  judieial  si'at.  of  Lhc  county  and  has  about  1,K()0  inhabitants.  It  is  situated  on  the 
Kalamazoo  Lake  Short'  iV  ('liieaj^o  Ry.,  and  on  the  I’aw  I’aw  river,  18  mil<!S  southwes.t  of  KaIamazf>o, 
4 from  laiwton,  where  eonneetious  is  made  with  the  main  line  of  tlie  Miehij^an  ('entral  R.  R.,  15  miles 
from  llartfonl,  where  eonueetion  is  made  witli  the  main  line  of  the  I’ere  Martiuctte  R.  R.,  and  3.5  miles 
from  South  Haven,  where  connection  is  made  with  tlie  Michigan  ('entral  Railroad  and  a line  of  steamers 
plying  to  C'hieagt).  I’aw  Raw  is  lighted  by  eleetrieity,  has  water  works,  sewers,  fire  department,  churches 
of  many  denominations,  excellent  schools,  an  oi)era  house,  2 Itanks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

Wheat,  pork,  live  slock,  beans,  i)eachcs,  apples,  grapes  and  small  fruits  are  shipped. 

South  Haven  is  the  largest  towm  in  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  4,000. 

This  city  occupies  a commanding  j)Osition  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Miehigan  at  the  mouth  of  the  Black 
River,  which  fomis  a safe  and  commodious  harbor.  It  is  a station  on  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad 
and  on  the  Kalamazoo  Lake  Shore  & Chicago  Railroad,  30  miles  northwest  of  Paw  Paw,  40  from  Kala- 
mazoo, and  75  by  water  from  Chicago.  It  has  well  laid  out  and  shaded  streets,  is  lighted  by  electricity, 
has  a good  system  of  water  works,  a fire  department,  sewerage  system,  opera  house,  churches  of  several 
denominations,  a splendid  public  school  system,  a $15,000  public  library,  a gas  plant,  two  banks,  four 
newspapers,  etc. 

The  more  prominent  industries  embrace  piano  manufacturing,  fruit  packages  and  lumber  manu- 
factories, canning  factory,  wood  carvdng  works,  foundry,  planing  mills,  syrup,  pickle,  vinegar  and  basket 
factories,  etc. 

Other  enterprising  towns  of  the  county  are  Hartford,  Lawton,  Bangor,  Bloomingdale,  Decatirr, 
Goble\dlle,  and  Lawrence.  The  surrounding  coimtry  is  well  adapted  for  agriculture  and  fruit  growdng 
and  wheat,  live  stock,  peaches  and  apples  are  exported. 

Fruit  growing  is  however,  the  principal  indvistry  and  large  quantities  of  fruit  are  shipped. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  coimty  are  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  Pere  Mar- 
quette R.  R.,  the  Kalamazoo  Lake  Shore  & Chicago  R.  R.,  and  the  Chicago  & South  Haven  S.  S.  Line. 

WASHTENAW  COUNTY. 

Washtenaw  county  was  laid  out  in  1822,  and  was  organized  in  1826.  This  county  •was  part  of 
the  region  lying  west  of  the  Detroit  district  commonly  called  by  the  Chippewa  Indians  “ Washtenong,” 
meaning  a river  that  extends  far  off,  referring  to  the  Grand  River. 

It  is  located  in  the  southeastern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Lmngston  and  Oakland  covmties,  on  the  east  by  Wayne  county,  on  the  south  by  Lenawee  and  Monroe 
counties,  and  on  the  west  by  Jackson  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  454,047.24  acres.  Of  this  munber  about  428,000  acres  are  in  splendid  farms. 

The  population  is  44,714  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $54,719,685. 

The  county  has  a fine  school  system.  There  are  174  schools,  a total  enrollment  of  7,818  students, 
requiring  the  services  of  341  teachers. 

The  cotmty  has  16  banks,  3 daily  and  16  weekly  newspapers. 

Good  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural  mail  service  is  found  throughout  the  cotmty. 

Ann  Arbor,  the  capitol  city  of  the  county,  has  a population  estimated  at  about  16,000.  This  city 
is,  of  course,  most  widely  kno'wm  as  the  seat  of  Michigan’s  great  State  University.  It  is  situated  on  the 
Huron  river,  on  the  main  line  of  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  on  the  Ann  Arbor  R.  R.,  and  on  the  Detroit 
United  Railway,  (electric),  38  miles  from  Detroit.  The  city  is  lighted  with,  electricity  and  a large  well 
established  gas  company  also  furnishes  light  and  fuel  gas,  has  a good  sewerage  system,  a court  house 


172 


M I C I I I C)  A N 


erected  at  a cost  of  about  $75, ()()(),  well  equipj^ed  fire  department,  a $45,000  Y.  M.  C.  A.  building,  an 
excellent  jmblic  school  system  including  one  of  the  finest  high  school  buildings  in  the  state  erected  at 
a cost  of  about  $300,000,  a beautiful  new  auditorium,  first  class  hotels,  200  acres  of  j:)arks  and  boule- 
vards, a beautiful  public  library,  churches  of  many  denominations,  5 banks,  2 daily  newspapers,  etc. 

d'hc  industrial  institutions  include  manufactories  of  pianos,  organs,  furniture,  agricultural  imple- 
ments, lamps,  ladders,  aiitomobile  attachments,  hay  baling  machines,  flour,  corsets,  skirts,  waists, 
baking  powder,  carriages,  wagons,  brick,  tile,  cement  building  block,  beer,  boilers,  engines,  sash,  doors 
and  blinds,  knitted  goods,  trusses,  beet  sugar  machinery,  pumps,  etc. 

Y])silanti,  the  second  largest  town  in  the  county  has  a population  of  about  6,230.  It  is  located 
on  the  Lake  vShore  and  Michigan  vSouthem  Railroad,  and  the  Michigan  Central  Railroad,  and  the 
Detroit  United  Railway,  (electric),  29  miles  southwest  of  Detroit,  and  8 southeast  of  Ann  Arbor.  It  is 
lighted  by  electricity,  and  has  an  excellent  system  of  public  water  supply,  has  churches  of  the  leading 
denominations,  excellent  schools,  a ladies’  library,  an  opera  house,  a business  college,  first  class  hotels, 
2 banks  and  a daily  newspaper.  Ypsilanti  is  the  seat  of  the  State  Normal  College. 

The  manufacturing  interests  include  paper  mills,  foundries  and  machine  shops,  flour  mills,  knitting 
mills,  a creamery,  novelty  works  and  manufactories  of  carriages,  wagons,  buggy  bodies,  rubber  tire 
setters,  flour  mill  and  elevator  machinery,  bean  pickers,  underwear,  farm  implements,  axe  handles,  sash, 
doors,  blinds,  dress  stays,  etc. 

Other  important  towns  of  the  county  are  Chelsea,  Dexter,  Manchester,  and  Saline. 

Chelsea  is  located  on  the  Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  and  on  the  Detroit  Jackson  & Chicago  Ry.,  14 
miles  west  of  Ann  Arbor,  and  54  from  Detroit.  It  has  a municipal  electric  light  plant  and  water  works 
system,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  excellent  educational  advantages,  2 banks  and  2 
weekly  newspapers. 

The  country  contributory  to  Chelsea  is  very  fertile  and  is  one  of  the  best  wheat  raising  districts 
in  the  State.  The  principal  shipments  are  cereals,  wool,  fruit,  berries  and  live  stock. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Pere  Marquette  R.  R.,  the  Michigan 
Central  R.  R.,  Ann  Arbor  R.  R.,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern  R.  R.,  Wabash  R.  R.,  and  the  De- 
troit United  Railway,  (electric.) 


WAYNE  COUNTY. 

In  1796,  Secy.  Sargent,  acting  Governor,  instituted  the  county  of  Wayne.  It  originally  included 
all  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  a large  section  of  Indiana  and  Ohio  and  a strip  along  the  west  shore  of  Lake 
Michigan,  (for  the  purpose  of  including  the  settlement  of  Green  Bay),  and  the  east  part  of  the  Upper 
Peninsula.  For  a name  they  selected  that  of  Mad  Anthony  Wayne — a conquering  hero  then  in  their 
midst. 

The  present  county  of  Wayne  is  located  in  about  the  south  east  comer  of  the  Lower  Peninsula. 
It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Oakland  and  Macomb  counties,  on  the  east  by  the  St.  Clair  river  and 
Lake  St.  Clair,  on  the  south  by  the  St.  Clair  river  and  Monroe  county,  and  on  the  west  by  Washtenaw 
county. 

The  total  land  area  is  367,038.57  acres.  Of  this  number  about  317,000  acres  are  in  fine  fanns. 

The  population  is  531,590  (1910  census). 

The  valuation  of  taxable  property  as  estimated  by  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  in  1911, 
is  $695,913,145. 

There  are  254  schools  with  a total  enrollment  of  91,615  students,  requiring  the  services  of  2,214 
teachers. 

The  county  has  30  banks,  8 daily  newspapers  and  43  weekly  newspapers. 

Telephone,  telegraph  and  mral  mail  service  is  found  in  every  locality  throughout  the  county. 

Detroit  the  largest  city  in  the  State  and  the  county  seat  of  Wayne  county  has  a population  of  over 
500,000.  The  city  has  an  area  of  41.44  square  miles,  202  miles  of  public  sewers,  480  miles  of  lateral 


M 1 ('  II  I ('.  A N 


17.< 


s»'\vtMs,  -lOO  mill's  of  piiNcil  slrci'ts,  .<!  jiarUs  and  paikways  with  a coniMncd  acrcaK''  "f  1,2M,  a waf,<T 
works  i>lan(  witli  a daily  oaparily  of  alioiil  1 j^allons,  a mmiicipally  owned  cleel.i  ie  liplil,  plant, 
lire  and  poliee  deparlnu-nls  wliieh  rank  amoiif.;  I he  liesi  in  the  eonntry,  ‘>,S  puhlie  school  htiildinj'S,  a hean- 
(ifnl  |)ul>lic  library,  many  churches  icprcscnt inj;  nearly  every  denomination,  a Y.  M.  f'.  A.  huiMiiif' 
erected  at  a cost  of  about  $750,000,  many  banks,  newspapers,  etc. 

I'rom  a standpoint  of  beauty,  then'  are  few  cities  that  can  compare  with  it,  and  situated  on  the 
pathway  of  the  commerce  of  the  (nvat  bakes,  I )etroil  does  not  watch  it  all  j'o  by,  by  any  moans,  (lases, 
boxes,  bales,  barrels,  ba}t:s  and  paeka}^os,  will  be  found  destined  for  every  civilized  land  and  bound  for 
all  points  alouj^  the  ehain  of  the  inland  seas. 

An  important  aid  to  Detroit’s  eommeree  and  traflic  is  the  tunnel  beneath  the  river,  completed 
and  opened  in  1010  by  the  Michigan  t'entral  Railroad,  at  a cost  of  ai)i)roxiniately  $1(),(M)0,000.  As 
an  engineering  feat,  it  takes  rank  with  the  famous  undertakings  of  the  world. 

A few  of  the  principal  manufacturing  interests  of  the  city  arc  automobiles  and  auto  parts,  cloth- 
ing, boots  and  shoes,  ear  building  and  repairing,  cigars,  food  j^roducts,  stoves  and  other  heating  appara- 
tus, soda  ash  aiid  other  alkaline  products,  printing,  fumiture  and  numerous  other  industries. 

Wyandotte  has  a population  of  about  10, ()()().  It  is  located  on  the  Detroit  river  and  on  the  Detroit 
iS:  d'oledo  Shore  Line,  the  Detroit  Toledo  & Ironton,  the  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern  and  the 
Miehigati  Central  Railroads,  and  the  Detroit  United  Electric  Ry.,  12  miles  from  Detroit,  and  47  from 
Toledo.  The  city  has  municipally  owned  water  and  electric  light  plants,  paved  streets,  fire  department, 
a public  library,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  a central  school  building,  2 ward  schools  and  6 
parochial  schools,  2 banks  and  2 weekly  newspapers. 

This  city  possesses  some  of  the  largest  manufacturing  plants  in  the  State.  Among  the  more  prom- 
inent industries  are  3 salt  manufacturing  plants,  a ship  building  company,  chemical  manufactory, 
cement  factory,  rug  and  fur  factory,  foundries,  trunk  factor}’,  a sheet  metal  works,  etc. 

Other  enterprising  cities  and  towns  of  the  county  are  Belleville,  (pop.  500),  Dearborn  (pop.  1,000), 
Ford  City  (pop.  1,S00),  Grosse  Pointe,  (Suburb  of  Detroit),  Hamtramck,  (pop.  4,000),  Highland  Park 
(suburb  of  Detroit)  River  Rouge  (pop.  4,500),  St.  Clair  Heights,  (pop.  1,300),  Trenton  (pop.  1,225), 
Plymouth,  (pop.  2,000)  and  Wayne,  (pop.  1,500). 

These  towns  are  surrounded  by  a thickly  settled  and  rich  agricultural  district  and  ship  large  quan- 
tities of  grain,  hay,  straw,  fruit,  potatoes  and  farm  produce  of  all  kinds. 

The  principal  transportation  facilities  of  the  county  are  the  Detroit  Toledo  & Ironton  R.  R.,  Pere 
Marquette  R.  R.,  Wabash  R.  R.,  Detroit  & Toledo  Shore  Line,  Lake  Shore  & Michigan  Southern  R.  R., 
Michigan  Central  R.  R.,  Detroit  iMonroe  & Toledo  Short  Line  R.  R.,  Grand  Trunk,  Canadian  Pacific, 
Detroit  United  Ry.,  (electric).  Northern  S.  S.  Co.,  Erie  & Western  Trans.  Co.,  (Anchor  Line),  Detroit 
& Buffalo  S.  B.  Co.,  E.  Al.  Ry.  & Nav.  Co.,  Detroit  & Cleveland  Nav.  Co.,  and  other  boat  lines. 

WEXFORD  COUNTY. 

This  county  was  laid  out  in  1843  and  was  organized  in  1869.  It  was  originally  named  “Kautawa- 
bet”  and  is  the  last  of  the  changes  to  Irish  names. 

It  is  located  in  about  the  northwestern  part  of  the  Lower  Peninsula  and  is  bounded  on  the  north 
by  Grand  Traverse  county,  on  the  east  by  Missaukee  county,  on  the  south  by  Lake  and  Osceola  counties, 
and  on  the  west  by  Manistee  county. 

The  total  land  area  is  366,675.69  acres,  of  which  about  148,000  acres  are  devoted  to  farms. 

The  population  is  20,769  (1910  census). 

In  1911,  the  State  Board  of  Tax  Commissioners  placed  a valuation  of  $15,544,273  on  all  taxable 
lands. 

There  are  88  schools,  a total  enrollment  of  5,175  students,  furnishing  positions  for  201  teachers. 

The  county  has  8 banks,  3 daily  and  5 weekly  newspapers,  also  telegraph,  telephone  and  rural 
mail  service. 


174 


MICHIGAN 


Cadillac  is  the  judicial  seat,  also  the  largest  city  in  the  county  and  has  a population  of  about  10,000. 

It  is  attractively  located  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Cadillac  and  on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana  and 
Ann  Arbor  R.  Rys.,  98  miles  north  of  Grand  Rapids.  It  dates  its  settlement  from  1871,  previous  to 
which  time,  it  was  the  heart  of  an  unbroken  wilderness,  surrounded  by  forests  of  both  pine  and  hard- 
wood timber.  The  city  has  electric  and  gas  lights,  a water  works  system,  an  excellent  system  of 
sewerage,  a beautiful  new  court  house,  a fine  city  hall,  public  library,  graded  schools,  a first  class  high 
school,  two  banks,  2 daily  and  2 weekly  newspapers,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations,  etc. 

The  principal  shipments  consist  of  large  quantities  of  potatoes,  other  farm  products,  lumber,  veneer, 
fruit  packages,  store  fumitxire,  broom  handles,  last  blocks,  billiard  cues,  lath,  maple  flooring,  charcoal, 
wood  alcohol,  pig  iron,  saw  mill  machinery,  chemicals,  carriage  stock  and  shingles.  Other  industries 
include  boiler  shops,  stave  and  heading  works,  basket  and  brick  works,  a woodenware  factory,  table 
factory,  smelting  works,  floioring  mills,  etc. 

Other  towns  of  the  county  include  Buckley,  Harrietta,  Manton,  Mesick,  and  Sherman. 

Manton  which  is  located  in  a good  agricultural  section  is  a station  on  the  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana 
R.  R.,  12  miles  north  of  Cadillac  and  110  from  Grand  Rapids.  It  owns  and  operates  its  own  electric 
light  and  water  works  plant,  has  a sanitary  sewerage  system,  wide  and  well  laid  out  streets,  an  opera 
house,  good  hotel,  a public  school  building  costing  about  $16,000,  churches  of  the  leading  denominations, 
a school  and  township  library,  a bank  and  a live  weekly  newspaper. 

The  industries  include  2 saw  mills,  stave  mill,  flour  mill,  pickle  factory,  lumber  mill,  grist  mill,  etc. 

The  transportation  facilities  of  the  cotmty  are  the  Ann  Arbor  R.  R.,  Grand  Rapids  & Indiana  R.  R., 
Manistee  & Northeastern  R.  R.,  and  the  Manistee  and  Luther  Railroad. 


M I ('  II  I ('.  A N 


175 


TIIIC  I)EVl<:i.()l‘MICNT  HURICAUS. 

Followtnj;  will  bo  found  the  name  and  address  of  the  Seeretaries  of  the  three  large  Development 
llureaus  of  the  State.  These  organizations  have  been  doing  si)lendid  publicity  work  for  the  several 
counties  comprising  their  territory. 

The  territory  of  the  Upper  Peninsida  Bureau  consists  of  the  entire  Northern  Pcnin.sula. 

The  Territory  of  the  Western  Michigan  Bureau  comprises  all  of  the  counties  in  the  west  portion 
of  the  Lower  Peninsula  from  the  Straits  of  Mackinac  to  the  southern  boundaries  of  Kent  and  Ottawa 
comities. 

The  Territory  of  the  Northeastern  Michigan  Bureau  comprises  all  of  the  counties  in  the  northeast 
portion  of  the  State,  from  the  Straits  of  Mackinac  to  the  southern  boundary  of  Saginaw  Coimty. 

UPPER  PENINSUL.\  DEVELOPMENT  BUREAU. 

C.  W.  Mott,  Secretary.  Menominee,  Miehigan. 

WESTERN  MICHIGAN  DEVELOPMENT  BUREAU. 

John  I.  Gibson,  Secretary,  Grand  Rapids,  Michigan. 

NORTHEASTERN  MICHIGAN  DEVELOPMENT  BUREAU. 

T.  F.  Marston,  Secretary,  Bay  City,  Michigan. 


List  of  Civic,  Industrial  and  Commercial  Organizations,  together  with  the  name  and  address  of  the 
Secretary,  from  whom  information  may  be  obtained  concerning  almost  any  City  or  Community  of  the 
State. 


CITY  OR  TOWN. 

COUNTY. 

ORGANIZATION. 

SECRETARY. 

Adrian 

Lenawee 

Commerce  Club 

Fred  L.  Johnson. 

Albion 

W.  S.  Price. 

Allegan 

Allegan 

Board  of  Trade 

Walter  W.  Miller. 

Alma 

Gratiot 

Board  of  Trade 

D.  L.  Johnson. 

Alpena 

Alpena 

Chamber  of  Commerce 

J.  F.  Wilkinson. 

Ann  Arbor 

Washtenaw 

Civic  Association 

Wm.  W.  Welsh. 

Bad  Axe 

Huron 

G.  E.  English. 

Battle  Creek 

Calhoun 

Chamber  of  Commerce 

Chas.  W.~Ward. 

Bav  City 

Bay 

Board  of  Commerce 

Jas.  C.  McCabe. 

Belding  T 

Ionia 

Board  of  Trade 

V.  L.  Warner. 

Benton  Harbor 

Berrien 

M.  J.  Hall. 

Bessemer 

Gogebic 

W.  S.  Baird. 

Big  Rapids 

Mecosta 

Big  Rapids  Board  of  Trade 

W.  A.  Stillwell. 

Boyne  City 

Charlevoix 

Cliamber  of  Commerce 

A.  Q.  Urquhart. 

Calumet 

Houghton . . 

G.  L.  Price. 

Cadillac 

Wextord 

Board  of  Trade 

Charlotte 

Eaton 

CheDoygan 

Cheboygan 

Coldwater 

Branch 

S.  A.  Wakeman. 

Croswell 

Sanilac 

Business  Men’s  Association 

J.  W.  Dexter. 

Crystal  Falls 

Iron 

Thos.  Conlin. 

Caro 

Tuscola 

Business  Men’s  Association 

Cassopolis 

Cass 

Cassopolis  Commercial  Club 

F.  Fagler. 

Chelsea 

Washtenaw 

J.  T.  Woods. 

Detroit 

Wavne 

Byres  H.  Gitchell. 

176 


M ICIIIGAN 


CITY  OH  TOWN. 

COUNTY. 

ORGANIZATION. 

SECRETARY. 

lOast  Jordan 

(hiarlcvoix 

A.  L.  Black. 

JOaton  Uapids 

Katon 

Klk  Hapids 

Antrim  

W.  E.  Olds. 

Kvart 

Osceola 

Win.  H.  Umphrey, 

Tliiit 

Gene.see 

A.  Galbraith. 

Kreinout 

Newaygo 

Teuton 

Cene.see 

Fenton  Board  of  Commerce 

W.  H.  King. 

Frankfort 

(Jladstone 

Delta 

O.  W.  Jackson. 

(Jraiui  Haven 

Ottawa 

Jas.  W.  Oakes. 

(irand  Ledfje 

Eaton 

C.  Alexander. 

Cirand  Kapids 

Kent 

W.  K.  Plumb. 

CJreenville 

Montcalm 

(Jraylinjj 

Harbor  lieach 

Huron 

llolland 

Dick  Boter. 

Hudson 

M.  E.  Power. 

liarf)or  Sjirings 

Allen  Reynolds. 

Hart 

Oceana 

Highland  Park 

Wayne 

C.  PJ.  Gittins. 

Holly 

Oakland 

Henry  Ellis. 

Houghton 

G.  L.  Price. 

Hotvard  City 

Montcalm 

R.  S.  Jennings. 

Howell 

Livingston 

A.  R.  Crittenden. 

Ionia 

Iron  Mountain 

John  Garvey. 

H.  M.  Erickson. 

R.  J.  Wise. 

Iron  River 

G.  R.  Walder. 

Ithaca 

Geo.  Lampier. 

Paul  A.  Leidy. 

Kalkaska 

Kalkaska 

I.  M.  Clark. 

F.  C.  Butler. 

Lansing 

Rov  R.  Darwin. 

Ludington 

IF  f'.  Hutton. 

W.  F.  Pre.scott. 

Manistee 

Mancelona 

H.  FI.  Wellman. 

Manistique 

M.  H.  Barton. 

Alarquette . . . . 

E.  A.  Daley. 

Marshall . . 

P.  Grohens. 

W.  L.  Clark. 

IVIenominee 

G.  P.  Chambers. 

E.  C.  Steiner. 

Mt.  Clemens 

Clifton  1).  Jackson. 

Muskegon 

Louis  H.  Conger. 

Marcellus 

Oscar  Romig. 

Marlett..  

FI.  C.  Biirge'tt. 

O.  J.  McCrillis. 

Chas.  E.  Smith. 

L.  L.  Ball. 

T.  A.  Green. 

Otsego.  

Geo.  H.  Gerphiede. 

Watson  Snyder. 

E.  B.  Linabury. 

J.  D.  Asman. 

Plaiiiwell 

Plainwell  Business  Men’s  Association 

F’’oster  Fuller. 

Wm.  J.  Burrows. 

Reed  Citv 

A.  M.  Fleischhauer. 

R.  L.  Skinner. 

Geo.  D.  Slaymaker. 

M.  L.  Johinson. 

John  P.  Old. 

Stanton 

Clyde  F.  Smith. 

E.  H.  Ilatchkiss. 

S.  L.  Marshall. 

H.  G.  Muellerweis. 

F.  E.  Lewellyn. 

M I ('  II  I A N 


177 


ITI'Y  (in  I'OWN. 

COHNI'Y. 

OIttiANIZA  1 ION. 

Hl'.t  'lll;  l AItV. 

Simrtii 

Kent 

MnsIneNN  Men's  OrKaiil/.atlon 

KrastiiH  Hrriitti. 

C.  1)  OowrilriK. 

(Jotiunareti  ( huh . . , , 

Thnn'  Uivorn . . 

St.  Joseph 

'I'linMi  ItlvorH  (hitniiiurelal  (huh 

(iraiol  Traverst* 

(h)tnfiilttuo  of  21 

W II  (Jrnlor. 

I'nloM  I'it V 

Hraiu'h 

lUisiiioHH  Men’s  AHsorlalion 

M.  M.  Teeter. 

Vii.ssiir 

'I’uscola 

Vassar  Board  of  Trad*' 

K.  W.  Kills. 

Vli’UsburK 

Kiilaniazoo 

Business  Men’s  Association 

Don  B.  .Sharpe. 

Whitehall 

Wllliaiiislon 

1 nf^itaiu 

(htizen’s  Association  

Wi'st  Hniiu'li 

OKi'in.iw 

West  Brandi  linproveinent  Association 

it.  B.  HaiK 

Ypsiliinti 

Washtenaw 

Ypsilanti  Industrial  Association 

A.  McAndrew. 

Zeeland 

Ottawa. 

Civic  Club 

Angus  DeKniif. 

12 


17S 


MICHIGAN 


CONCLUSION. 

In  the  compilation  of  this  book  from  such  data  as  has  been  collected,  it  has  been 
the  aim  and  purpose  to  give  a general  idea  of  the  resources  of  Michigan  and  to  suggest 
the  advantages  which  it  possesses  and  the  opportunities  which  it  offers  to  the  home 
seeker.  While  it  is  hoped  that  this  publication,  which  is  the  first  of  its  kind  to  be 
compiled  by  the  state,  will  l)e  the  cause  of  inducing  many  who  read  it  to  visit  the 
state  and  Examine  for  themselves  the  advantages  it  offers,  it  is  also  hoped  that  it  will 
perform  even  a greater  mission,  namely,  the  stimulating  of  Michigan’s  own  people 
to  a deeper  sense  of  appreciation  of  their  home  state.  It  would  seem,  then,  that  the 
first  result  to  be  hoped  for  is  the  establishment  of  faith  among  Michigan’s  own  people, 
causing  them  to  look  over  Michigan  and  Michigan’s  opportunities  before  seeking 
other  climes  for  investments. 

It  is  not  to  be  expected  that  every  man  who  settles  in  a new  country  will  achieve 
a conspicuous  success,  but  that  the  chances  for  success  are  greater  in  Michigan  than 
in  many  more  widely  advertised  territories  is  maintained  and  is  susceptible  of  proof. 

The  last  word,  however,  to  the  prospective  settler,  whether  he  be  from  within 
or  from  without  the  state,  is  a warning  against  buying  advertised  lands  in  Michigan, 
or  anywhere  for  that  matter,  without  having  first  made  the  fullest  investigation  of 
the  property;  the  character  of  the  soil;  the  proximity  to  markets;  and  the  chances  to 
make  a success  upon  the  land  by  the  persons  of  average  ability. 

The  Commission  is  deeply  appreciative  of  the  courtesies  extended  by  the  several 
state  departments,  officers,  organizations  and  individuals  who  have  so  kindly  furnished 
data  and  illustrations  for  this  compilation,  and  while  space  will  not  permit  personal 
mention,  it  is  hoped  that  each  will  consider  himself  personally  thanked  for  his  assistance. 

Appended  hereto  is  a list  of  the  names  and  addresses  of  the  Secretaries  of  the 
several  development  bureaus  of  the  state,  which  are  semi-official  organizations,  and 
also  a list  of  the  commercial  clubs  and  industrial  organizations  in  the  various  counties 
of  the  state,  which  are  doing  very  effective  publicity  work.  Reliable  information 
as  to  the  opportunities  offered  in  their  county  or  section  of  the  state  will  be  gladly 
furnished  to  anyone  who  will  call  upon  or  correspond  with  them. 

The  Michigan  Agricultural  College,  at  East  Lansing,  maintains  an  experiment 
station,  where  valuable  information  may  be  obtained  free  of  charge  upon  many  of 
the  questions  that  confront  the  general  farmer,  stock  raiser,  dairyman,  or  the  fruit 
grower.  Special  bulletins  are  issued  concerning  methods  and  culture  of  most  any 
agricultural  or  horticultural  crops,  and  may  be  had  by  addressing  the  Secretary  of 
Michigan  Agricultural  College,  East  Lansing. 

Attention  is  also  called  to  the  valuable  information  that  may  be  obtained  by 
addressing  the  State  Geologist,  Lansing,  relating  to  the  character  of  the  soil  of  any 
portion  of  the  state. 


M I ('-  II  I (',  A N 


179 

'I'lio  hnniijj;rati()n  (IcpartiiUMit,  is,  in  a mcasun',  <'i  clcariiij^  house  of  general  infor- 
luatioii  for  tlie  otilirc'  state.  Its  services  are  placed  at  the  disposal  of  anyone  who 
wishes  information  coneerninjj;  Michigan,  and  all  iiuinirics  nj)on  the  .subject  will  he 
^jladly  answered.  .Address  Comini.ssioner  of  Imini^^M'ation,  Lansinj^,  Michigan. 


ERRATA. 


Page  64.  R.  S.  Shaw. 

Page  135.  Hillsdale  County  bounded  on  the  South  by  Ohio. 


('.ICNICKAL  INI)I<:X. 

Ariva^i'  jUM'  I'ann,  Avi'ra^,H'  6H 

Aj^riouUuiv  64 

A};ric'ult viral  C'oIU'go,  Mic'lii^^aii 45 

A^^rivnilt  viral  lands 65 

Ak'vvna  C'ovinly,  (ii'ni'ral  (loscripliDn  of 112 

Ali^vT  ('ovinty,  (uMivTal  dv'sori])tion  of 114 

Alk'f^an  C'ovmly,  (u'noral  vk'scription  of 114 

AliH'ua  C'ovinly,  ('itMVv'ral  doscription  of 114 

Antrim  C'ovmly,  ('ii'iit'ral  (k'scription  of 115 

Area,  Loi'ation  and  Popvilalion 15 

Arenac  Connty,  C'lcneral  description  of 116 

Baraj;a  Connty,  Cicneral  dcscrijvtion  of 117 

Harry  Connty,  Cencral  description  of 118 

Hay  Connty,  General  description  of 116 

Henzie  Connty,  General  description  of 118 

Herrien  Connty,  Cieneral  description  of 119 

Hranch  County,  General  description  of 120 

Calhoun  County,  General  description  of 121 

Cass  County,  General  deseri])tion  of 122 

Charlevoix  County,  General  description  of 124 

Cheboyjtan  County,  General  deseription  of 124 

Chippewa  County,  General  description  of 124 

Churches  of  all  denominations 41 

Clare  County,  General  deseription  of 125 

Climatic  conditions.  The  Michigan 51 

Temperature 54 

Frost 57 

Precipitation 57 

Snow 59 

Drought 59 

Sunshine 59 

Winds 59 

Conclusion 60 

Climatic  data 61 

Upper  Peninsula 61 

Northern  Section 61 

Central  Section 62 

Southern  Section 62 

Clinton  County,  General  description  of 126 

College  of  Mines,  Alichigan 45 

Conclusion 178 

Conservation,  Michigan  idea  of 21 

Counties  of  the  State,  The 112 

Crawford  County,  General  description  of 127 

Crop  production.  Agricultural 75-82 

Com,  Oats,  Wheat,  Rye,  Barley 76 

Other  grains  and  seeds 76 

Hay,  forage,  soiling  and  root  crops 79 

Sugar  beets 82 

Sundry  crops 82 

Delta  County,  General  description  of 127 


182 


I N D E X 


Page 

Development  Bureaus,  Name  and  address  of  Secretaries 175 

Dickinson  County,  General  description  of 128 

Early  Development,  Conditions  unfavorable  to 66 

Eaton  County,  General  description  of 129 

Education  in  Michigan 33 

Emmet  County,  General  description  of 130 

h'anns.  Number  of 68 

hMirns  and  Farm  j^roperty,  Michigan 67 

Foreword 5 

Frontispiece 1 

Fruits 91-93 

Apples 91 

Peaches 91 

Cherries 93 

Pears 93 

Plums 93 

Small  fruits 94 

General  physiography 43 

General  physiography,  soils  and  mineral  resources  of  Michigan 43-50 

Genesee  County,  General  description  of 131 

Gladwin  County,  General  description  of 132 

Gogebic  County,  General  description  of 132 

Grand  Traverse  County,  General  description  of 133 

Gratiot  County,  General  description  of 134 

Great  Lakes,  The 19 

Great  Lakes  Fisheries,  The 20 

Highways,  Michigan’s  Rural 40-42 

Hillsdale  County,  General  description  of 135 

History  of  State’s  early  development.  Brief 7 

Horticulture  in  Michigan 91 

Fruits 91-93 

Small  Fruits 94 

Cucumbers 95 

Celery 95 

Onion  Crop 96 

Potatoes,  etc 96 

Horticultural  production 97 

Houghton  County,  General  description  of 136 

Huron  County,  General  description  of 137 

Industries,  A few  other  important  manufacturing 108-111 

Industries  in  which  Michigan  ranked  first,  second  and  third  (census  1909) . 106 

Ingham  County,  General  description  of 137 

Ionia  County,  General  description  of 138 

Iosco  County,  General  description  of 139 

Iron  County,  General  description  of 140 

Isabella  County,  General  description  of 140 

Jackson  County,  General  description  of 141 

Kalamazoo  County,  General  description  of 142 

Kalkaska  County,  General  description  of 143 

Kent  County,  General  description  of 143 

Keweenaw  County,  General  description  of 144 


1 N I ) IC  X 


IH.< 


LaUi'  ('ouiilv,  (u'ni'ral  lU'Sc'ription  of 

Lako'^  ami  nvor  sysltMiis 

Land  i\()t  in  farms,  Status  of •. 

Lapi'i'P  ('ouuty,  ('n'lU'ral  di'scription  of 

Livlauau  t'ounfy,  ('nMU'ral  dosoription  of 

Li'uawtv  ('ouuty,  ('ii'iuM'al  di'scription  of 

List  of  ('ivio.  Industrial  and  ('omnu'ivial  Organizations,  Loj^ctlicr  willi  name  and  addntss  of 

vSiTivt aril's  of  nai'li 

Livini^ston  ('onnty,  ('n'lU'ral  doscriplion  of 

lave  stock  on  Michis^an  farms 

1 lorsos 

lU'of  and  1 )airy  Cattle 

Swine 

vShoo]) 

Poultry  and  Bees 

Location,  area  and  population 

Ltice  County,  Ceneral  description  of 


Pape 
1 15 
10 
00 
1 15 
1 16 
1 16 

17.5 

147 
82  87 

8.5 

8.5 

8.5 

8.5 

86 

15 

148 


IMaekinae  Couiit}’,  Gencnil  description  of 146 

Macomb  County,  Cieneral  description  of 146 

Manistee  County,  General  description  of 150 

Manufacturing  industries,  Michigan 66 

Mamifactures,  Importance  and  growth  of 66 

Manufactures  (census  1606)  Five  Leading 102-106 

Automobiles 10.5 

Lumber  and  timber  products 103 

Foundry  and  Machine  shop  products 104 

Food  and  kindred  products 104 

Furniture  and  Refrigerators 105 

Markets,  Splendid 27 

Marquette  County,  General  description  of 151 

Mason  County,  General  description  of 152 

Mecosta  County,  General  description  of 153 

Menominee  County,  General  description  of 153 

Michigan  (brief  history  of  the  State’s  early  development) 7 

Michigan  again 15 

Michigan  in  competition  with  the  world 17 

Michigan  agriculture,  its  present  status  and  wonderftd  possibilities 64 

Michigan  unique  agriculturally 66 

Michigan  farm  mortgages  not  burdensome 71 

Michigan  not  a State  of  rented  farms 75 

Michigan  opportunities  better  than  Western 86 

Michigan’s  horticultural  rating 67 

Midland  County,  General  description  of 154 

Mineral  Resources 46-50 

Gravel,  clay  and  marl 47 

Coal 47 

Salt,  gypsum,  oil  and  gas 48 

Copper 48 

Iron 50 

Other  mineral  products 50 

Missaukee  County,  General  description  of 155 

Monroe  County,  General  description  of 155 

Montcalm  County,  General  description  of 156 

Montmorency  County,  General  description  of 157 

Muskegon  County,  General  description  of 157 


Newaygo  County,  General  description  of 
Normal  College,  State 


158 

37 


184 


INDEX 


Page 

Normal  School,  Central  Michigan 37 

Nonnal  vSchool,  Northern  State 38 

Normal  School,  Western  vState 38 

Oakland  County,  General  (lescri])tion  of 159 

Oceana  County,  General  description  of 160 

Ogemaw  County,  Gcnci'al  description  of 160 

Ontonagon  County,  General  dcscri])tion  of 161 

Osceola  County,  General  description  of 161 

Oscoda  County,  General  description  of 162 

Otsego  County,  General  description  of 163 

Ottawa  County,  General  description  of 163 

Population,  Location  and  Area 15 

Presejue  Isle  County,  General  description  of 164 

Race  ])rol)lem,  Michigan  has  no 32 

Railways,  Steam  and  Electric 30 

Resorts,  Attractive  summer 24 

Resources  of  Michigan,  The  general  physiography,  soils  and  mineral 43-50 

Rivers 21 

Roscommon  County,  General  description  of 165 

Rural  mail  service 30 

Rural  Organizations 87 

Rural  schools.  The 34 

Saginaw  County,  General  description  of 165 

Sanilac  County,  General  description  of 166 

Schoolcraft  County,  General  description  of 167 

School  system 33-39 

Shiawassee  County,  General  description  of 167 

vSmall  Fruits 94 

Strawberries 94 

Gooseberries 94 

Currants 95 

Red  Raspberries  and  other  small  fruits 95 

Soils 45 

Social  conditions.  Desirable 30 

Special  infonnation  obtainable 96 

St.  Clair  County,  General  description  of 168 

Stimulus  to  agriculture  general 89 

St.  Joseph  County,  General  description  of 169 

Title  page 3 

“The  Query”  and  “The  Answer” 18 

Transportation  facilities,  Excellent  Rail  and  Water 28 

Transportation,  Water 29 

Tuscola  County,  General  description  of 170 

University  of  Adichigan,  The 34 

Upper  Peninsula,  The 70 

Van  Buren  County,  General  description  of 170 

Washtenaw  County,  General  description  of G1 

Water  Power  Era  in  Michigan,  The  dawning  of  a great 21 

Wayne  County,  General  description  of 172 

Wexford  County,  General  description  of 173 


LIBRARy 
OF  THE 

UNIVEftSITy  OF  JLLINOiS 


UBRARy 
OF  THE 

university  Of  ILLINOIS 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ILUNOIS-URBANA 


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